Canadian employees don’t seem to have a very high esteem of their superiors, according to a recent survey conducted by Ipsos and the Canadian Centre for Management. Confidence levels are lowest in the retail trade, transportation and the government.
According to the survey: "Build a better workplace: employee engagement edition", only 39% out of 1200 Canadian employees surveyed have confidence in what their superiors say. More generally speaking, the level of confidence is not in very good shape since only 44% of employees have confidence in their business leaders in Canada. The level varies greatly in different sectors of activity. Confidence levels are lowest in transport (32%), government (35%) and in the retail trade (39%). On the contrary, the high tech sector shows the highest level (55%).
Geographical and sectoral disparities
Another sign of disaffection: only 38% think that their senior managers do a good job when they communicate about what is happening in the company. On this point, the survey reveals both geographical and sectoral disparities. Albertans seem to be the most satisfied (41%) while employees in Manitoba and Saskatchewan are less so (35%). If we focus on sectors of activity, communication by leaders appears to be the most transparent (53%) in finance. However, transport (26%) and health and social services (33%) still have to make improvements in this area.
An impact on competitiveness
Finally, the survey focused on the general level of employee satisfaction in a company. Some sectors of activity are doing better than others, such as education (82%), government (73%) and health and social services (72%). At the bottom of the ranking are the retail trade (58%) and transport (61%).
However, the levels of employee confidence and satisfaction have a significant impact on the performance and competitiveness of a company. They are criteria to be borne in mind in the coming months.