Global Talent #19
From RTO Mandates to Ping Fatigue: The Workplace Trends You Can’t Afford to Ignore
Are Canadian Employees Prioritizing Company Culture Over Job Offers?
Benefits Canada | November 20, 2024
A new survey reveals that three-quarters of Canadian employees would turn down a job offer due to company culture not being the right fit. This highlights the growing importance of workplace culture in attracting and retaining top talent. The survey also found that 59% of Canadian employees are actively looking for new jobs or open to opportunities, down from 66% in 2023. Interestingly, executives are more likely to feel proud of their workplace compared to managers and workers. Improving culture can have significant benefits, including increased employee engagement, better mental health, and higher motivation. However, there is a disconnect, as employees are less likely than executives to say they can be themselves at work. Cultivating a strong culture is crucial for organizations to build a high-performing workforce and stay competitive in the job market.
How Do Generational Differences Shape Office Attendance Preferences?
Mihai-Alexandru Cristea | Business Review | November 21, 2024
The return to office work is steadily increasing, with 63% of employees now working exclusively on-site. Top managers, administrative teams, and middle managers have the highest office attendance, highlighting the importance of physical presence for strategic roles and coordination. Generational differences emerge, with Generation X recording the highest percentage of full-time office work at 74.8%, compared to 54.1% for Millennials and 53.8% for Gen Z. Younger employees are more open to a full-time office return if offered incentives like increased salaries, subsidized transportation, and additional vacation days. The survey reveals a clear preference for in-person interaction and socialization, with the hybrid model continuing to evolve to meet the needs of the modern workforce.
Crafting Effective RTO Communications to Retain Top Talent
Sean Devlin | Ragan Communications | November 21, 2024
The article explores the impact of return-to-office (RTO) mandates on employee trust and retention. It reveals that 77% of employees feel RTO is a ploy for companies to exert more control, and 64% believe it stems from a lack of trust. This has led to RTO being seen as a source of attrition. To mitigate this, the article suggests defining the "why" behind RTO, setting clear expectations for both employees and employers, and being open to change. It also highlights the importance of understanding generational differences, as younger workers favor hybrid models. The need for honest, authentic communication to build trust during RTO transitions is highlighted.
How Can Employers Curb the Drain of Constant Workplace Alerts on Employee Well-being?
Amanda Childs | HRNews | November 22, 2024
Constant digital notifications are taking a toll on employee productivity and mental health, a phenomenon known as "ping fatigue." Research shows it takes 23 minutes on average to refocus after an interruption, leading to errors, stress, and poor cognitive performance. Over 40% of work app notifications are considered unimportant by employees, yet the lack of clear communication policies leaves them struggling to manage the deluge. To combat ping fatigue, experts recommend setting boundaries, prioritizing communication channels, encouraging breaks, and shifting the focus from availability to outcomes. Organizations can create a healthier, more rewarding work environment for their teams by deploying digital tools thoughtfully.
What Role Does Industrial Symbiosis Play in Creating Sustainable Jobs?
The Future of Work Podcast | International Labour Organization | November 14, 2024
Industrial symbiosis, a growing component of the circular economy, fosters collaboration between enterprises by repurposing one company’s waste as raw material for another. This model reduces waste disposal costs, provides cheaper inputs, and extends product life cycles, benefiting both businesses and the environment. Studies reveal that industrial symbiosis increases job creation by 1% in large companies and up to 30% in small enterprises, with value chain employment growth reaching as high as 50%. However, challenges remain. Decent job opportunities tend to favor men in large, male-dominated industries, while women often occupy informal or seasonal roles in smaller firms. Formalization of micro-businesses, often required for participation in these networks, is driven by large companies’ standards rather than policy intervention. Addressing gender disparities and improving working conditions are crucial for maximizing industrial symbiosis’s socio-economic impact.
