Jillian Levick
Senior PR and Communications Manager
Robert Half Canada Inc.,
181 Bay Street, Suite 820,
Toronto, ON
M5J 2T3
www.roberthalf.ca
Press Releases
Read about our latest research, including results from our ongoing surveys of senior managers and workers, and company announcements.
Professionals in Calgary, Toronto and Ottawa Most Likely to Clock Weekend Hours
TORONTO, Nov. 23, 2020 /CNW/ - A new study by global staffing firm Robert Half shows employees are working around the clock while at home. More than half (55 per cent) of professionals who transitioned to a remote setup as a result of the pandemic said they work on the weekend. In addition, one-third (34 per cent) of remote employees reported regularly putting in more than eight hours a day.
According to the research, work-from-home habits vary by area. Among the five Canadian cities in the survey, those with the highest percentages of remote employees who work weekends include:
- Calgary (65 per cent)
- Toronto (60 per cent)
- Ottawa (56 per cent)
"Despite the significant benefits of working remotely, such as saving time spent commuting and increased flexibility, it can also lead to putting in longer hours," said David King, Canadian senior district president of Robert Half. "Heavier workloads have become a reality for many professionals during the pandemic, making it more challenging to disconnect while at home. It is critical that employers encourage their teams to take regular breaks and prioritize themselves and their wellbeing."
Supporting Work-Life Balance Post-Pandemic
In a separate survey, human resources managers were asked what type of scheduling arrangements their company will likely offer to support work-life balance once the COVID-19 crisis is over:*
Flextime | 52 per cent |
Compressed workweeks | 45 per cent |
Permanent part-time arrangements | 41 per cent |
Job-sharing | 40 per cent |
*Multiple responses were permitted.
"The recent pivot to new working models has made managers more aware of the importance of work-life balance," added King. "As a result, many companies will continue to offer programs and perks put in place during COVID-19, such as flexible hours and more autonomy, well into the future."
For more ways to support employee wellbeing, visit the Robert Half blog.
About the Research
The online surveys were developed by Robert Half and conducted by independent research firms from July 7 to August 9, 2020. They include responses from 500 workers 18 years of age or older and normally employed in office environments in Canada and more than 180 human resources managers at companies with 20 or more employees across Canada.
About Robert Half
Founded in 1948, Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm. The company has more than 300 staffing locations worldwide and offers hiring and job search services at roberthalf.ca. For additional career and management advice, visit the Robert Half blog at roberthalf.ca/blog.
SOURCE Robert Half Canada
