Canadians taking fewer holidays, earning less in 2020: report
Canadian employees are seeing significant workplace shifts amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, according to a new report by payroll and benefits company Humi.
It found employees took 40 per cent less vacation time in 2020 compared to 2019. Meanwhile, the number of sick day requests was “drastically higher” in the months leading up to the pandemic compared to the rest of the year. And the average salary in Canada was also affected, dropping 4.5 per cent from $61,200 in January to $58,400 in July.
“This could be a result of employees taking a pay cut to stay employed when their workplace is struggling financially, high-paying employees who were laid off or employers, on average, could be paying less than they normally would for a role due to budget limitations,” noted the report.
Read: Employee burnout surges amid coronavirus pandemic: survey
It also found only 21 per cent of C-suite positions were held by women in 2020. Companies with women in these roles showed a more even gender distribution, employing on average of 47 per cent women compared to 53 per cent men. However, women continued to be underrepresented in the technology sector, where they comprised just 30 per cent of the workforce.
“When women see themselves reflected in leadership at any level, it confirms that opportunity is possible,” said the report. “Finding employees who are both committed to the purpose of the business and who aspire to lead is paramount to business success. By focusing on inclusive practices that create a diverse workplace, organizations provide opportunity and advancement for employees and Canadian businesses.”
In terms of generational diversity, the report found generation Z employees spent 15 per cent less time in a role than their millennial counterparts, who in turn stayed on 24 per cent less than baby boomers.
Read: Canadian female execs earn 68% of male colleagues’ salaries: report