10 Top Employment Trends in Canada for 2024 + Success Tips
By
September 5, 2024
10 min
In This Article
There’s a lot of uncertainty in the Canadian job market this year — every year, it seems.
Employment trends in Canada indicate a competitive job market, with employers seeking skilled workers to fill their limited job vacancies. According to data from Robertson College’s 2024 Employment Trends Survey, job seekers aren’t willing to take just any job, either.
Discover the employment statistics and trends shaping the Canadian labour force and learn how you can succeed in the competitive market.
Key Takeaways
- 57% of Canadians have at least thought about leaving their current role in the last year. (Source: Robertson College)
- 84.6% of Canadians experience some degree of work-related stress that impacts their mental health. (Source: Robertson College)
- Salary is the top consideration for Canadian job seekers, with 37.6% of respondents ranking it their #1 priority in a job search. (Source: Robertson College)
- The number of job vacancies has decreased, while the unemployment rate has increased, with the current ratio being 2.3 job seekers to every vacancy.
1. Work-Related Stress Impacts Most Canadians
More than half (58.2%) of survey respondents feel that their current job either strongly contributes (21.2%) or somewhat contributes (37%) to their overall happiness. On the other hand, more than 13% of respondents noted that their current role detracts from their overall happiness.
While Canadians are happy in their jobs, they’re also experiencing a great deal of work-related stress. Nearly 85% of respondents experience some degree of work-related stress that impacts their mental health.
2. Remote Work Remains a Top Consideration
When asked which factors were the most important when looking for jobs, respondents chose salary (37.6%), job security (16.2%), growth opportunities (15.4%), remote/flexible work options (13.2%), and company culture (8%) as their top considerations.
Although salary ranked as the most important factor, Canadians still desire roles that more closely align with their passions and values. More than one-third (35%) of respondents said they were likely to take a role with a lower salary if it better aligned with their values, indicating that while salary is important, so is professional fulfillment.
3. Canadian Workers Are Worried About AI
While 31% of respondents reported that they were confident that AI would not impact their jobs, the rest did have some concerns. The majority (35.6%) have thought about the impacts of AI on job security, 23.2% are slightly concerned, 6.8% are very worried, and 3.4% of respondents noted that AI has already impacted their jobs.
The reality of AI’s influence is already evident for some, underscoring the need for proactive adaptation and upskilling. As AI technology continues to evolve, understanding the potential implications for different roles and industries is crucial for individuals and organizations alike.
Want to learn more about AI? Consider taking Robertson’s AI Fundamentals for Professionals micro-course to learn about the basic principles of artificial intelligence in just 10 hours and stay on top of employment trends in Canada.
4. Skilled Canadians Still Want Access to Affordable Education
The majority of respondents (88.6%) rated themselves as either somewhat (23.8%), quite (35.8%), or very confident (29%) that they had the right skills, education, or training to secure the job they were looking for currently or in their most recent job search.
Conversely, more than half of respondents (50.8%) said they would be likely to switch careers if they had access to affordable education, which is essential to not just cultivating a skilled workforce but also fostering innovation and reducing income inequality.
5. Canadians Are Considering Leaving Their Current Role
More than half (57%) of respondents said they had at least thought about leaving their current role within the last year. While 43% have never considered leaving, 31.8% have thought about it once or twice, 15.4% a couple of times a month, 4.2% weekly, and 5.6% think about it daily or almost constantly.
While these metrics contradict the earlier responses that indicate happiness at work, the turnover intention is still concerning for employers. Understanding the underlying reasons for this discontent is crucial for businesses aiming to improve employee satisfaction and reduce turnover.
Contributing factors include:
- Poor salaries
- Lack of job security
- Lack of growth opportunities
- Lack of flexible or remote work options
6. Demand for Public Services Remains High
Data from Statistics Canada shows that while hiring across many sectors has slowed, public service jobs, such as health care and education, are still in high demand. These skilled fields have been experiencing a labour shortage since the pandemic.
The public job sector is experiencing an interplay of supply and demand. While demand for public services consistently grows with population and aging demographics, the supply of qualified workers is often strained. Factors like education pipelines, retirement rates, and wage competitiveness impact the availability of health care professionals, Teachers, and Public Administrators.
7. The Technology Job Market May Be Cooling
One of the primary industries that has slowed is tech. Whereas technology jobs were previously in high demand, they have now experienced a sharp decline in vacancies since mid-2022. This can be, at least in part, attributed to the increased usage of generative AI. Conversely, job postings related to AI sectors have seen an increase.
In slight contradiction to the above, talent solution firm Robert Half noted that as many as 55% of tech companies are hiring for new roles and 39% are hiring for vacant roles. Tech leaders attribute this not to a lack of jobs available but rather a lack of qualified candidates.
Interested in upskilling to join the tech space? Robertson offers a number of tech-focused programs, such as:
8. Gig Work Is Still a Popular Choice Among Canadians
As many as 871,000 Canadians use temporary or contract gig work as their primary source of income. The gig economy is characterized by temporary, contract, and freelance jobs rather than permanent positions, and using it as a main source of employment can mean several different things.
One is that Canadians are seeking flexible work arrangements, even if it risks job security. Another possibility is that as job vacancies decrease, it’s easier to find short-term gigs, as the name suggests, rather than full-time regular employment. Gig jobs are also advantageous for employers, as they often allow for affordable short-term workers, not requiring a regular salary or benefits.
9. Job Vacancies Continue To Trend Downward
Statistics Canada reports that job vacancies are at their lowest rate since March 2020. In the last year, vacancies have dropped 28%. Conversely, unemployment is up 1.4% since last year. This translates to roughly 2.3 job seekers for every vacancy.
This trend indicates a cooling labour market. Factors such as economic conditions, shifts in consumer spending, and changes in business operations may contribute to this dynamic. As the market adjusts, it’s essential to monitor how these trends impact different industries and regions across the country.
10. DEI Is a Top Focus for Both Job Seekers and Employers
Although only ranked as the most important factor in a job search by 3.8% of respondents, 60% of organizations say diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is a top priority for them.
This discrepancy highlights a gap between employers and potential employees. While companies increasingly recognize the value of a diverse workforce and are actively implementing DEI initiatives, job seekers may prioritize other factors such as salary, benefits, and career growth. Bridging this gap requires transparent communication from organizations about their DEI commitments and the impact of these initiatives on the employee experience.
Why Employment Trends in Canada Matter
These employment trends in Canada provide valuable insights into the job market. Job seekers, soon-to-be graduates, and even those considering a new career can benefit from understanding the labour market.
By staying informed about in-demand skills, salary expectations, and industry outlooks, workers can make strategic choices about their education and career paths.
Tips for Success in the Canadian Job Market
Succeeding in the Canadian job market requires a strategic approach. From understanding the specific work culture to ensuring you have the right skills for the job, there are many different factors at play. Ultimately, perseverance and adaptability are key to navigating the Canadian job market successfully.
Here are some tips for success:
- Diversify your skills: Diversifying your skills makes you a more versatile and valuable employee, increasing your job security. A broad skill set also opens up more career opportunities and can help you advance faster in your chosen field. Consider taking one of Robertson’s micro-courses to learn a new skill.
- Keep your resume up-to-date: A well-maintained resume showcases your career growth and highlights your most relevant skills, making you a more attractive candidate. Being prepared with an up-to-date and well-formatted resume allows you to seize unexpected job opportunities as they arise.
- Use your network: Networking is essential for uncovering hidden job opportunities and gaining valuable insights into industries. Building strong connections can significantly boost your chances of landing your dream job and accelerating your career growth.
- Learn a new language: Besides the national languages (English and French), knowing other languages can be valuable for many roles. Be sure to include any additional languages you are fluent in on your resume.
- Keep applying: Ultimately, no matter how skilled and qualified you are, job searches can still be a numbers game. Try not to get discouraged and continue to apply for jobs.
Methodology
The survey of 500 Canadians was conducted by SurveyMonkey Audience for Robertson College and was fielded on August 8, 2024. In order to qualify, respondents were screened to be residents of Canada and over 18 years of age. Data is unweighted, and the margin of error is approximately +/-2% for the overall sample with a 95% confidence level.
FAQ
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the Canadian job market.
How Is the Job Market in Canada Right Now?
Across the majority of industries, the employment trends in Canada are that growth is slowing and unemployment is rising. While wage growth remains strong, certain groups, such as recent immigrants and young workers, may face significant challenges finding work.
What Jobs Are in Demand in Canada Right Now?
Public sector jobs are in high demand in Canada. This includes roles in health care and education, such as Nurses and Early Childhood Educators.
What Jobs Pay the Highest in Canada?
The highest-paying jobs in Canada are typically found in the medical field, with Surgeons and other specialists at the top. However, high-paying positions also exist in fields like technology, finance, and law, with roles such as Data Scientist, Risk Manager, and Lawyer earning substantial salaries.
What Is the Unemployment Trend in Canada in 2024?
Canada’s unemployment rate is currently 6.4%, which is up 1.4% since April 2023.
Stay on Top of Canadian Employment Trends With Robertson College
With Robertson’s range of career-focused diploma programs, graduates can compete in the job market, no matter how employment trends in Canada change. Accelerated learning pathways mean students can start working in their desired field faster and with the skills needed to succeed.
Robertson graduates also have access to lifelong career support with the Workforce Team. Team members provide resume and cover letter support, interview question prep, job search help, and exclusive networking opportunities.
