More than half (53 per cent) of Canadian employees say they feel negatively about work and 30 per cent feel tired and overworked, according to a new survey by ADP Canada.

The survey, which polled more than 1,800 employees, found two-thirds (68 per cent) said work-life balance was among their top three priorities (along with compensation and benefits), while 29 per cent said it was their No. 1 priority. Millennials and generation X workers were more inclined to prioritize work-life balance (30 per cent each), while baby boomers were most likely to prioritize their families (26 per cent).

Nearly three-quarters (70 per cent) of respondents reported feeling stressed because of inflation and the economy and 23 per cent said they’re considering exploring better opportunities due to current economic conditions.

Read: Canada among top countries for work-life balance: report

The majority of employees said they trust their managers (77 per cent) and feel comfortable going to their manager to voice concerns (74 per cent), while 42 per cent said they meet with their managers or management teams weekly. More than half (58 per cent) of workers said their employer takes their goals and feedback seriously, up five percentage points from 2022.

“The survey results reaffirm the need for employers to connect with workers,” said Ed Yuen, vice-president of strategy and human resources outsourcing at ADP Canada, in a press release. “Face-to-face time, coaching sessions and regular check-ins, particularly with the younger workforce, can help employers build trust and be better equipped to support their teams.”

Read: Survey finds 39% of women considering quitting job due to stress, burnout