Employer-employee relations grow stronger, even amid COVID-19 job losses: Study
Canadians report closer relationships with employers, with high levels of satisfaction & trust
TORONTO, April 9, 2020 /CNW/ - While Canadians may be isolated and "socially distanced" from their employers and co-workers due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a new national study shows that the shared crisis experience is bringing them closer together.
In a special edition of the Argyle Public Relationships Index™, a national survey conducted last week by Leger for the Argyle Group, 49 per cent of respondents report an improvement in their relationship with their employer, with only 29 per cent reporting a decline. 52 per cent of respondents also cite improvement in their relationships with their co-workers, compared with 25 per cent whose relationships with colleagues have declined.
It also appears that even those who have lost or left their jobs during the pandemic do not blame their employers – with a narrow majority (53 per cent) reporting satisfaction with their most recent employer.
In the various dimensions of a healthy relationship, Canadians also give their employers high marks:
- 72% are satisfied with their employer (31% strongly);
- 69% agree that their employer "takes care of people who work here" (31% strongly agree);
- 68% trust their employer (30% strongly);
- 65% agree that their employer is "concerned about people like me" (30% strongly agree); and
- 63% agree that their employer is "committed to meeting my expectations" (25% strongly agree).
While the improvement in employer-employee relationships is common across Canada, this trend is most acute in Quebec – the region hit hardest by the pandemic so far – where 57 per cent of respondents cite improved relationships with their employers. The next strongest improvements come in Alberta (55 per cent), and Manitoba and Saskatchewan (54 per cent).
"With employers anxious about their businesses, and employees worried about their jobs, Argyle's research suggests people are working harder on their workplace relationships," says Argyle CEO Daniel Tisch. "This is essential as we adapt to new ways of working. For essential-service workers, these are particularly stressful times. For people working remotely, there's an intimacy to interacting with co-workers from our homes, creating connection even when we're isolated."
Relationships are thriving – both professional and personal
Argyle's research shows this improvement in relationships extends through both the personal and professional spheres. 69 per cent of respondents say the crisis has improved their relationships with their families, versus only 15 per cent who report a decline. While it is not surprising that Canadians feel closer to their health care providers (42 per cent report improvement, 19 per cent decline), they also report improvement in their relationships with the businesses they frequent (40%/26%), notwithstanding the increased difficulties of doing business in recent weeks.
Where can employers improve? Employee engagement
The one big weak spot for employers in the study is that only 39 per cent of respondents believe they can influence their employer's decisions or direction.
"In times of crisis and change, one of the most terrifying things is feeling like we have no autonomy or influence over the events shaking our lives," Tisch says. "Wise employers will be more transparent than ever with their teams, and engage employees consistently and creatively to help address business and organizational challenges."
Data summary: Change in personal & professional relationships during COVID-19 pandemic
Relationship |
Relationship improved |
Relationship declined |
Don't know/No change |
Family |
69 % |
15 % |
17% |
Co-workers |
52 % |
25 % |
23 % |
Employer |
49 % |
29 % |
22 % |
Health care provider(s) |
42 % |
19 % |
39 % |
Businesses I deal with |
40 % |
26 % |
34 % |
Argyle's research has found that measuring relationships is particularly relevant during a crisis, because relationship measurement combines rational assessments of competence and satisfaction with emotional dimensions such as empathy, affinity, influence and trust.
About the study
\This edition of the Argyle Public Relationships Index™ is based on a survey of 1,590 Canadians, completed between March 27-30, 2020, using Leger's online panel, LEO. The margin of error for the study was +/-2.5%, 19 times out of 20. Leger's online panel has approximately 400,000 members nationally and has a retention rate of 90%.
Public relations research suggests there are six dimensions of relationships between organizations and their internal or external publics: trust; satisfaction; perceived commitment to meet expectations; caring for those with whom you work or do business ("exchange relationship"); concern for people like me ("communal relationship"); and people's perception of their ability to influence the organization. Argyle expresses its appreciation to Dr. Alex Sevigny of McMaster University for his counsel in the development of the model for this ongoing research.
About Argyle (www.argylepr.com)
For 40 years, Argyle has been chosen by the world's biggest brands, put big ideas onto the public agenda, and grown to become one of Canada's largest and most acclaimed communications and public engagement firms. Argyle's clients span many sectors, including finance, technology, health care, agri-food, travel, professional services, infrastructure, government, non-profits and many more.
Argyle has more than 100 full-time employees in Toronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary, Victoria and Ottawa, with affiliates in Montreal and Quebec City, and in 17 countries around the world.
Visual assets are available for download here.
SOURCE Argyle Public Relationships
Alex Kucharski, [email protected], 647-270-7808
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