This text is part of the special World of Work section
The mental health of workers in 2023 is in good shape better than the previous year. But according to the study In the minds of employees from the human resources consulting firm Mercer, “the employee experience remains difficult and exhausting for many”.
While the end of the COVID-19 pandemic has provided a lull for workers, many continue to rank mental health at the top of their expectations when choosing a job, confirms the report, released early this year. year 2024. “This year, 46% of employees said they would prefer to have better social benefits over a 10% salary increase,” underlines Jonathan Brunelle, senior advisor and manager of the career field at Mercer for Quebec. “It demonstrates the importance that employees place on their health and their working conditions. »
Result: “Mental health is increasingly at the heart of employers’ value proposition. » Telemedicine, reduced workload and increased leave are all on the menu to attract employees. “Historically, employer programs were focused on group insurance,” notes the advisor. Now, employees want to be supported in prevention. They want illnesses to be mitigated before they become acute problems. » He expects that the social benefits offered will evolve in response to these requirements to, in particular, offer digital tools, favorites of the younger generations.
The latter also mark a change in culture in companies, he notes. “Before, we worked hard, even to the detriment of our health, to be well off after retirement. Today, we want to live our lives to the fullest now. We want a sustainable, healthier lifestyle. »
Teleworking my love
Another concern of employees: the possibility of working from home at least part of the time, which interests 51% of employees. “Some of my clients see people decline their job offers because they don’t offer the opportunity to work from home,” notes Jonathan Brunelle. However, this way of working is not always conducive to work-life balance. “Employees who work remotely full-time are the most satisfied with their work arrangement, but those who spend some time in the office are more motivated,” the report reads.
If hybrid working requires increased trust from employers, they must also demonstrate transparency more and more frequently to gain that of their employees. This is manifested in particular by a desire for visibility in terms of the salary scales offered by companies. A “pay transparency” law has already come into effect in British Columbia, and similar regulations are about to be adopted in Ontario. Even without these laws, 69% of employees “claim to know their salary scale” while only 30% of employers share this information publicly — which indicates, according to the advisor, a greater openness among workers to discuss these issues among themselves. formerly taboo subjects.
Finally, Mercer’s study shows that the era of the “great resignation” is behind us. One in three employees were still thinking about leaving their job in 2023. “Mental health is a factor, but also remuneration, the relationship with their manager or colleagues, or the values of the organization,” underlines Jonathan Brunelle.
Focus on psychological safety
This content was produced by the Special Publications team at Duty, relating to marketing. The writing of the Duty did not take part.