Statistics Canada’s April labour force survey is causing a stir amongst the experts who monitor employment and economic impacts on the stability of Canada’s economy. At first glance, the headline figures from the April labour force survey paint a picture of resilience and continued growth in Canada’s labour market. A net gain of 90,000 jobs and an unchanged unemployment rate of 6.1% – exceeded analysts’ expectations. However, a deeper examination of employment trends over the last year reveals a more nuanced and complex dynamic.
The Experts Weigh In
Since the beginning of 2024, Canada has added a net total of 165,800 jobs. However, it’s important to note that not all jobs are created equal. Last month’s 90,000 job gain was primarily driven by increases in part-time jobs (+50,000), and despite this massive increase in job creation both the unemployment rate (6.1%) and employment rate (61.4%) have held steady from the previous month.
Dawn Desjardins, chief economist at Deloitte Canada, tells Global News that while the latest job gains are “extraordinary,” that it’s important to take a wider view of the labour force survey. She notes that a high unemployment rate among youth is particularly concerning heading into the summer job season, when students are typically hunting for work to pay for post-secondary education.
Canadian economists have offered a spectrum of interpretations regarding the implications of the most recent labour force survey. While some view the job gains as a positive sign of economic recovery and resilience, others caution against complacency – highlighting persisting challenges such as rising economic “slack” and uneven employment distribution across demographic groups.
For our clients aiming to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the Canadian job market, we offer this advice: prioritize innovation in your recruitment methods, focus on keeping your employees engaged and satisfied to retain them, and utilize your own staff as recruitment advocates. Additionally, tapping into data-driven strategies and forming partnerships with talent solution providers like Agilus can equip your business to tackle these challenges head-on and foster long-term growth.
Trends in Workforce Dynamics
As demand for talent continues to evolve, companies must remain agile in their recruitment strategies to attract and retain top candidates. The rise of hybrid work, accelerated digitization, and changing skill requirements are reshaping traditional employment landscapes. This month, Statistics Canada put a spotlight on the prevalence of short notice work demands. With more than one in four workers reporting the need to respond to work demands at short notice, it's crucial employers recognize the implications of this trend on employee well-being and retention.
For employees, the need to come into work or connect to a work device at short notice represents a significant challenge to achieving work-life balance. Whether it’s adjusting family commitments or managing personal obligations, the unpredictability of work demands can lead to increased stress and decreased job satisfaction.
Additionally, the disparity between genders in experiencing short notice work demands underscores broader issues of gender equity in the workplace. While men were 4% more likely to receive a short notice request, women – who already face unique challenges in accessing job opportunities, equal pay and career advancement – may find themselves disproportionately affected by these demands.
Of course, there are many factors that weigh into the need for employees to be available on short notice. Workers in management positions, self-employed workers, and those in emergency services are particularly affected by short notice requests. While these short notice requests may be unavoidable in certain situations, there are still proactive steps organizations can take to mitigate the negative impacts of short notice demands:
- Flexible Work Arrangements: Implementing flexible scheduling options, such as remote work or adjustable hours, empowers employees to better manage their personal and professional lives.
- Clear Communication: Transparent communication about expectations and workloads can help employees anticipate and prepare for short notice demands, reducing stress and anxiety.
- Training and Support: Providing training on time management and stress reduction techniques equips employees with the tools they need to navigate demanding work environments effectively.
In industries where short notice requests are prevalent, employers who are attuned to the needs of their workforce will find the most long-term success. Offering additional support and resources to professionals facing high-pressure situations can help mitigate burnout and improve job satisfaction.
Looking Ahead
As we look ahead, it’s clear that employers must adopt an agile mindset and embrace innovation in their approach to navigating the labour market. “It’s a bumpy labour market and we expect it to continue for the remainder of the year. That means employers could experience talent scarcity and talent supply depending on the skill set required,” says Agilus CEO, Craig Brown. “Companies that adopt new work strategies like a skill-based or a blended workforce will likely weather the labour uncertainty better. It’s never been more critical for employers to work with recruitment firms, like Agilus. By partnering with organizations to develop holistic talent acquisition strategies that include talent attraction programs, workforce design and employee retention we can empower businesses to navigate the ever-changing labour market with confidence.”
Take the lead in shaping the future of your organization. At Agilus, we provide tailored solutions, enabling businesses to achieve better outcomes. With 48 years of experience under our belt, our national team of experts utilize insights from data analysis, technology-enabled solutions, and a deep understanding of market dynamics to help both our clients and candidates thrive in a continuously evolving job market. Ready to see the different a total talent solutions firm can make for your business? Let’s get to work!
