Canadian HR Reporter

NEWS BRIEFS Sixty per cent of Canadians were still experiencing a negative impact to their mental health several months into the COVID-19 pandemic. However, four in 10 are not spending any time each week trying to improve their mental health, finds a survey of 1,000 Canadians released by Sun Life. There are definite differences between the genders — 34 per cent of women reported not spending any time on their mental health compared to 46 per cent of men. Older people in the baby boomer generation (55 years and older) are the least likely to give consideration to their mental health, with 55 per cent of them not spending any time on it. Almost three-quarters of respondents aged 18 to 34 spend some time each week for mental self-care. Most Canadians who said they took time to focus on their own mental health spent less than an hour per week. Nearly two-thirds of workers who are currently working remotely want to continue to do so after the COVID-19 pandemic has passed, while another 31 per cent would like some sort of hybrid arrangement that combines remote and in-person work, according to a survey. Job-search website FlexJobs polled more than 4,000 workers in the U.S. who have been working from home during the pandemic and found that eight out of 10 would be more loyal to their employer if they had flexible work options. FlexJobs also reviewed job postings on its website that were active or had been active at some point in 2020 WHAT ARE MOST SURPRISING REMOTE JOBS? MENTAL HEALTH NOT ALWAYS A PRIORITY 65% More than half of employment in the U.S. pandemic economy involves working from home, a survey has found. This has meant many people are no longer commuting — but they're also spending more hours working on their main job, found the study of 10,000 U.S. residents between the ages of 20 and 64 who earned more than $20,000 in 2019 by QuestionPro and Inc-Query. More than half of U.S. workers don't believe their employer has successfully created a diverse workplace in 2020, according to a survey. Market research firm Clutch polled 400 workers across the U.S. on the types of diversity initiatives employees want to see their employer undertake. and created a list of the 50 most surprising remote jobs. The most surprising one? Apparel product development consultant — a specialist providing manufacturing guidance for product-based brands looking to connect with clothing manufacturers. The positions of architect, associate scientist - climate impact and snow modelling, bridge engineer and conversation designer round out the top five. Other surprising remote jobs on the list included dental assistant/hygienist, fitness instructor and nurse practitioner. 25% people of colour in leadership 24% training and discussions 21% women in leadership 20% recruiting underrepresented groups Employees want greater diversity Lack of commute frees up time HOW PEOPLE ARE USING THEIR EXTRA TIME FAVOURED DIVERSITY INITIATIVES TIME SPENT ON SELF-CARE 22% less than one hour per week 21% one to three hours per week 9% three to five hours per week 9% more than five hours per week • 35.5% primary job • 18.6% indoor leisure • 15.5% home improvement/chores • 11.1% childcare • 11% outdoor leisure/exercise 21% 22% 9% 9% 16 www.hrreporter.com M A R K E T N E W S

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