Canadian HR Reporter

NEWS BRIEFS Almost two-thirds of U.S. workers saw their income stay the same or drop in 2020. Of those who experienced a pay cut, more than half (55 per cent) have yet to see their compensation return to normal levels, according to a recent survey of 1,545 Americans by HR technology and services firm Elements Global Services. Twenty-nine per cent of respondents said they hadn't spoken with their employer at all about their level of pay in the past 24 months, while just over half said they discussed it one or two times. One in five said they talked about their salary with their employer three or more times in the past two years. When it came to the topic of pay for higher-ups at their companies, almost seven in 10 employees said they understood why senior members of their organization were paid as much as they were. Of the slightly more than half who said they know what their boss earns, only 35 per cent think their boss is overpaid. However, 55 per cent of respondents said they think CEOs or company owners are overpaid. Nearly half of U.S. employees who have been working from home during the pandemic have been saving at least an hour each day by not having to commute to work, while another 36 per cent are saving between 30 minutes and an hour, according to an online survey of 1,089 respondents by LiveCareer. More than four out of five respondents said they're spending more time with family or friends thanks to the lack of commute, while at least three out of four reported getting more sleep. Many respondents have also used the time for professional development DITCHING COMMUTE SAVES TIME, MONEY EARNINGS STAGNATE IN 2020 65% Nearly half of full-time Canadian workers making $80,000 or less have continued to work from home during the pandemic at least some days of the week, found an Environics Institute survey of 5,351 Canadian adults. Conversely, around two-thirds of those making $100,000 or more have been able to work from home. Almost two-thirds of Canadians are very confident the Canadian economy will recover in 2021. However, 84 per cent believe the economy has been forever changed and all businesses need to find a way to operate online, found a March 2021 KPMG survey of 1,000 Canadians aged 18 and older. — 70 per cent said they've learned new skills and competencies, while 60 per cent have undergone self- improvement, training or education. Remote workers have also been saving money. Almost four in 10 said they've saved between $100 and $200 per week on commuting; 29 per cent have saved $200 to $300, 11 per cent have saved $300 to $400, and three per cent have saved $500 or more. More than six in 10 said they've used the money to build up an emergency fund or nest egg, contribute to retirement savings, or save for a significant purchase. 93% want government incentives to "buy Canadian" 89% think spending should be focused on economic growth initiatives 88% say small and medium-sized business need more help 77% believe the government should launch a major economic stimulus program Canadians confident about recovery Higher-paid workers enjoy remote perks WORKING OUTSIDE THE HOME DESIRED ECONOMIC STIMULUS REASONS FOR PAY DECREASE • 46% of workers earning under $30,000 • 53% earning $30,000 to $59,000 • 50% earning $60,000 to $79,000 • 40% earning $80,000 to $99,000 • 38% earning $100,000 to $149,000 • 31% earning over $150,000 8% 24% 39% 29% Took a pay cut Lost their job Had a variable income Took a new job with lower pay 14 www.hrreporter.com M A R K E T N E W S

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