Nearly three-quarters (72 per cent) of Canadian job seekers expect it will be difficult to find a job in the next six months, a significant increase from the same time last year (62 per cent), according to a new survey by the Harris Poll on behalf of Express Services Inc.
The survey, which polled more than 500 Canadian job seekers, found 48 per cent believe there are fewer job opportunities in their field compared to a year ago, similar to last year (46 per cent). At the same time, 39 per cent anticipated overall wages will increase in 2026, up slightly from last year (37 per cent).
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The majority (78 per cent) of respondents said they’d only accept full-time positions, while 38 per cent said they’d accept part-time work. Nearly a third (29 per cent) reported actively looking for a new job, down from 39 per cent last year, while 71 per cent reported browsing but not being fully committed to their job search. Notably, 16 per cent said they’d accept positions below their most recent pay level, up from 11 per cent last year.
Nearly half (47 per cent) of employed job seekers worked more than usual in the past year, down from 58 per cent last year, and a smaller portion of employed job seekers reported taking on another job in addition to their current one (20 per cent, compared to 30 per cent last year).
When asked why they’re looking to make a move, 41 per cent of employed job seekers cited the need to negotiate better compensation, 38 per cent said they’re seeking better work-life balance and 36 per cent wanted to keep an eye on the job market.
Read: 84% of Canadian job seekers value work-life balance over climbing corporate ladder: survey
Their top concerns about staying put were being worried about not getting the salary increase they deserve (40 per cent), a slowdown in work opportunities (27 per cent) and losing their job if the economy declines (24 per cent).
While 85 per cent of respondents said salary is important, only 56 per cent of employed job seekers said they’re satisfied with their current salary. Three-quarters (74 per cent) said benefits are important, but only 64 per cent said they’re satisfied with their employer’s current benefits offering. Similarly, 79 per cent cited the importance of work-life balance and 74 per cent said their satisfied with the level of work-life balance in their current role.
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