Worker satisfaction grows as we enter the holiday season, even with close to a third of workers relying on gig work to help cover regular expenses.

The November edition of the ADP Canada monthly Happiness@Work Index ("Index") shows a slight increase in worker satisfaction this month. The report also finds that three-in-ten (31%) workers in Canada rely, at least at times, on gig work – temporary or freelance work performed on an informal or on-demand basis – to help cover regular expenses, such as daily living costs and bills.

The National Work Happiness Score for November 2024 is 6.7/10, a 0.1-point increase from October.

"As the holiday season approaches and workers settle into a new season, we observe an uptick in workplace happiness," says Heather Haslam, vice president of marketing at ADP Canada. "However, as the cost of living rises alongside the added pressures of holiday spending, employers should prioritize resources that help employees manage financial stress, such as flexible benefits, financial wellness programs, and access to budgeting tools."
November 2024 Happiness@Work Index Highlights

• National Work Happiness Score:                                               6.7/10 (+0.1)
• Indicator Breakdown
  
  • Primary Indicator:                                                           6.9/10 (+0.1) *
  • Secondary Indicators:
    
    • Work-Life Balance & Flexibility:                 6.8/10 (+0.1) *
    • Recognition & Support:                                 6.6/10 (+0.1) *
    • Compensation & Benefits:                            6.2/10 (+0.1) *
    • Options for Career Advancement:            6.0/10 (+0.1) *

Almost half (46%) of workers in Canada surveyed feel satisfied with their current roles and responsibilities, with all secondary indicators showing a slight increase this month, reflecting a positive trend in overall employee well-being and a shift from past months' downward trend.
Boomers (7.2/10) continue to lead as the happiest generation for the 22nd consecutive month, while Gen-Z (7.0/10) reports a significant growth in sentiment, holding on to second place. Regionally, Atlantic Canada (7.0/10) takes over as the happiest region, thanks to a notable jump in sentiment (+0.3), while Alberta (6.4/10) sees no change and holds on to last place.

National Work Happiness Score: Generational Snapshot

• Boomers (59+):                7.2/10 (+0.1) *
• Gen-Z (18-26):                   7.0/10 (+0.4) *
• Millennials (27-42):        6.8/10 (+0.2) *
• Gen-X (43-58):                   6.3/10 (-0.1) *

Regional Work Happiness Score Snapshot

• Atlantic Canada:               7.0/10 (+0.3) *
• Québec:                               6.9/10 (+0.1) *
• British Columbia:             6.7/10 (-0.1) *
• Ontario:                               6.6/10 (+0.1) *
• Sask/Manitoba:               6.5/10 (-0.2) *
• Alberta:                              6.4/10 (NC) *

With the holiday season approaching and, with it, holiday expenses, the Index took a peek at the state of gig work in Canada, revealing that three in ten workers say they rely regularly on gig work to help cover regular expenses, such as daily living costs and bills. Among gig workers, 17 per cent say that gig work is their primary source of income for covering expenses. The main industries solicited by gig workers are transportation, retail, and grocery.

"As we enter the holiday season and as financial pressures mount, now is an ideal time for employers to provide resources that help employees navigate both seasonal and long-term financial stress and review whether their team members rely on additional work - as it could put them at risk of burn out - and assess their salary offering competitiveness," concludes Haslam.