Canadian HR Reporter

NEWS BRIEFS Nearly two-thirds of small and medium-sized businesses in Canada are either requiring or plan to soon require employees to get vaccinated against COVID-19 when they return to the physical workplace, according to a poll. Male respondents (85 per cent) were slightly more likely than female respondents (81 per cent) to support the requirement, found the survey of owners and decision-makers of 505 businesses across Canada by KPMG Law. "Businesses are grappling with how to navigate the issue of mandatory vaccination and determine whether or not they are legally permitted to require their employees and, in some cases, their customers, to provide proof of vaccination," says Norm Keith, partner at KPMG in Canada. "Our poll found a wide consensus among employers that vaccination is the most effective way to protect workers and customers, and key to avoiding a new wave of infections and lockdowns." More than eight out of 10 U.S. women say that access to affordable childcare is important to their ability to be employed, according to a survey. And almost as many (78 per cent) say that affordable childcare would let them pursue new job opportunities, found the survey of 354 American women by job-search resource provider LiveCareer. Seven out 10 respondents say that access to affordable childcare would allow them to earn more money or undertake additional training or education that would help them build their skills and improve their marketability, while 80 per cent say that it would have WOMEN SEEKING CHILDCARE, FLEXIBILITY EMPLOYERS KEEN ON VACCINE MANDATES 65% More than half of Canadians have consulted their doctor virtually over the past year. Of those, nearly nine out of 10 used telemedicine for the first time and 84 per cent are interested in continuing to use it after the pandemic, found a survey of 1,031 Canadians by software company Capterra. More than six in 10 business leaders say they are thriving rather than just surviving or struggling, a survey has found. However, things aren't as rosy for those in non-leadership roles, according to Microsoft's Work Trend Survey of 31,092 full-time employed or self-employed workers in 31 countries, including Canada. a positive impact on their own wellbeing. The demands of childcare are reflected in the key factors women identify that could help them find and keep employment — 88 per cent say that having flexible hours is important, while 80 per cent need a paid time- off policy that suits their individual circumstances. Remote work is also essential for many women, with three out of four stressing its importance to their ability to work. However, many survey respondents indicate that they aren't finding the level of employment they require — 43 per cent consider themselves to be underemployed. 44% Working mothers 39% Frontline workers 36% New employees (under one year) 33% Single employees Leaders thriving more than workers Virtual healthcare use increases REASONS CANADIANS USED TELEMEDICINE WORKERS WHO ARE THRIVING IMMUNIZATIONS POPULAR WITH MANY • 41% It didn't require in-person consultation • 40% The doctor was only available online • 38% It saved time • 38% It lowered the risk of contagion during the pandemic • 25% A virtual appointment was available sooner feel their business is well-prepared and ready to bring employ- ees back to work safely support vaccine passports for certain occupations or to enter certain places agree that vaccines are key to avoiding another lockdown and should be mandatory of men support vaccine passports (79% of women) 90% 84% 84% 85% 14 www.hrreporter.com M A R K E T N E W S

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