TORONTO, June 26, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Findings from Randstad's latest Global Workmonitor, surveying employees in 32 countries around the world, reveal that most Canadians believe it is harder for both younger and older workers to find a suitable job.
When asked to rate their agreement on the statement "I believe it is hard for young people (aged 25 or younger) to find suitable job," 86% of respondents agreed or agreed strongly. Similarly to the statement "I believe it is hard for older people (aged 55 or older) to find a suitable job," 89% of the respondents agreed or strongly agree, with only 2% of respondents strongly disagreeing.
The same question asked in the United States saw less pessimism when it came to young people, with only 64% of respondents agreeing with the statement. While for older workers agreement was similar with 87%.
Paired with these numbers the respondents felt that both younger and older workers would be willing to accept work below their education levels - with 86% agreeing that younger works would do so, and 77% agreeing that older workers would too. In the US, these figures are even more in the affirmative, with 90% of respondents agreeing that young people would accept such work, and 83% for older workers.
"In an increasingly competitive market, companies may be hesitant to make the larger investments in more experienced workers; or smaller investments in those who are untested. But as the labour market faces impending skills shortages, companies need to invest in training the new generation of workers to replace those skilled workers that will soon leave. They also need experienced workers who can act as mentors and help facilitate the integration of young employees," says Jan Hein Bax, President, Randstad Canada.
Canadians believe in a diversified workplace
While people believe it is hard for both young and old people to find suitable jobs, they also think organizations should hire younger and older talent. 78% of those Canadians asked think it is good for their company to actively recruit young people, while 66% think it is good to recruit older people. And there could be good news on the horizon for both age groups, as the last Statistics Canada Labour Force study for May 2013 indicated a rise in employment in both the under 25s and over 55s.
"As shown in the results of the Workmonitor survey, workers are embracing a more diversified workforce and are seeing the benefits of building a workplace with multiple generations. Older workers bring stability and a deep knowledge of their field, which can be instrumental in critical decision making. On the other hand, younger workers easily adapt to change and have a fresh outlook on the latest technology and industry trends that can lead to innovation in processes and product development. Organizations definitely benefit from both the invaluable experience of older workers and the creative thinking of the younger workforce," adds Bax.
About Randstad Canada: Randstad Canada is the Canadian leader for staffing, recruitment and HR Services. As the only fully integrated staffing company in the country, we understand the recruitment needs and demands of employers and job seekers across all levels and industries. Through our insightful knowledge of local markets, employment trends and global network of recruitment experts, we are shaping the Canadian world of work. Visit randstad.ca
The Randstad Workmonitor
The Randstad Workmonitor was launched in 2003, and now covers 32 countries around the world, encompassing Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Americas. The Randstad Workmonitor is published four times a year, making both local and global trends in mobility regularly visible over time.
You can download a copy of the quarterly survey here.
The quantitative study is conducted via an online questionnaire among a population aged 18-65, working a minimum of 24 hours a week in a paid job (not self-employed). The minimal sample size is 400 interviews per country, using Survey Sampling International. The 2nd wave of 2013 was conducted between 18 April and 3 May 2013.
Image with caption: "Randstad asked 405 Canadians their opinion on the value of experience over education, the difficulty of entering the job market at different ages and their perspective on job security. This collection of graphics details the highlights. (CNW Group/Randstad Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130626_C3047_PHOTO_EN_28487.jpg
SOURCE: Randstad Canada
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