TORONTO, June 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The rules and etiquette of workplaces are shifting to align with the times and desires of employees, and companies that provide a more casual workplace have a competitive edge, according to a newly released Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey.
Two-thirds of Canadian hiring decision-makers (65%) say workplace etiquette that was not acceptable three years ago is now acceptable.
Around 2 in 5 companies say it was important five years ago to have dress code guidelines (43%) and to adhere to that dress code (40%), but only around a quarter feel this holds true today (27% and 25% respectively). In addition, employers say it is less crucial today to refrain from taking personal calls at work (32% today, compared to 38% five years ago) and utilize formal business communications (28% compared to 36% five years ago).
However, some workplace practices remain and have increased in importance in the post-pandemic workplace. Among the leading workplace practices that have seen greater need for adherence: arriving at work and meetings on time (69% compared to 58% five years ago), keeping a clean workspace (62% compared to 51% five years ago) and greeting coworkers (52% compared to 46% five years ago).
But as workplace culture and etiquette evolves, half of hiring decision-makers (51%) say it is confusing for employees to know what is and is not acceptable because so much has changed.
Job Seeker Perspective
The vast majority of Canadian job seekers (83%) believe a more casual workplace contributes to higher performing employees. This sentiment is found highest with Millennials (90%) and Gen Z (82%), compared to Gen X (74 %) and Boomers (79%).
Like Canadian hiring decision-makers, two-thirds of job seekers (65%) agree that workplace etiquette that was not acceptable five years ago is acceptable now.
Job seekers say having a dress code is less important now (33%) than five years ago (54%). In addition, refraining from personal calls at work is no longer seen as important (43% compared to 56% five years ago), as is using formal business communication (36% compared to 53% five years ago).
Job seekers agree though that some workplace behaviours have become more important in the past five years, such as arriving on time for work and meetings (78% compared to 68% five years ago), keeping a tidy workspace (64% compared to 60% five years ago) and greeting coworkers (63% compared to 56% five years ago).
“In a tight labour market, perks like a more casual dress code are simple to implement and can have a significant impact on recruiting and retention,” said Bill Stoller, Express Employment International CEO. “Some values, however, like punctuality and workspace cleanliness should remain important to respect colleagues’ valuable time and mutual space.”
Survey Methodology
The Job Insights survey was conducted online within Canada by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals between Oct. 31 and Nov. 10, 2023, among 504 Canadian hiring decision-makers.
The Job Seeker survey was conducted online within Canada by the Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals from November 9-26, 2023, among 509 Canadian adults ages 18 and older.
For full survey methodologies, please contact Ana@MapleLeafStrategies.com.
If you would like to arrange for an interview to discuss this topic, please contact Ana Curic at (613) 858-2622 or email Ana@MapleLeafStrategies.com.
About Bill Stoller
William H. "Bill" Stoller is chairman and chief executive officer of Express Employment International. Founded in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the international staffing franchisor supports the Express Employment Professionals franchise and related brands. The Express franchise brand is an industry-leading, international staffing company with franchise locations in the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
About Express Employment Professionals
At Express Employment Professionals, we’re in the business of people. From job seekers to client companies, Express helps people thrive and businesses grow. Our international network of franchises offers localized staffing solutions to the communities they serve across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, employing 492,000 people globally in 2023 and more than 11 million since its inception. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com/CA.
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