Benefit and pay gaps drive Canadian workers to reconsider employers

Canadian job seekers head into 2026 expecting pay to rise but remain notably dissatisfied with what they currently earn and the benefits they receive, signalling ongoing pressure on employers’ total rewards strategies. 

Salary and benefits emerge as central fault lines.  

While 85 percent of job seekers say salary is important, only 56 percent of employed job seekers report satisfaction with their current pay, an almost 30-point gap.  

Benefits show a 10-point divide, with 74 percent calling them important but just 64 percent satisfied with their current package.  

Work-life balance has a smaller, but still meaningful, 5-point gap between importance (79 percent) and satisfaction (74 percent).  

These gaps underscore persistent frustrations that could shape turnover and engagement in the months ahead. 

Compensation and work-life balance are also key reasons employed job seekers consider moving. 

Among those looking to make a change, 41 percent cite the need to negotiate better compensation, 38 percent seek better work-life balance, and 36 percent want to keep an eye on the job market.  

At the same time, 40 percent worry about not getting the salary increase they believe they deserve, 27 percent fear a slowdown in work opportunities, and 24 percent are concerned about losing their job if the economy declines.  

Together, these factors point to a workforce that weighs both financial security and quality of life when evaluating employers. 

Expectations around future pay lean cautiously optimistic.  

Thirty-nine percent of job seekers anticipate overall wages will increase in 2026 compared to 2025, up slightly from 37 percent last year.  

Yet many still recognize constraints: 72 percent expect it will be difficult to find a job in the next six months, roughly unchanged from six months ago (74 percent) but significantly higher than at the same time last year (62 percent).  

Nearly half (48 percent) believe there are fewer job opportunities in their field compared to a year ago, similar to last year (46 percent). 

Despite these challenges, most job seekers still prioritize full-time work.  

Seventy-eight percent say they are willing to accept full-time positions, while 38 percent are open to part-time roles.  

Others consider more flexible arrangements, with 28 percent willing to accept contract or freelance positions, 22 percent open to temporary or seasonal roles and 19 percent prepared to take entry-level positions.  

Notably, 16 percent are willing to accept positions below their most recent pay level, up from 11 percent last year, hinting at a segment that may trade compensation for stability or opportunity. 

Job search intensity has eased. Currently, 29 percent of job seekers report actively looking for a new job, down from 39 percent last year, while 71 percent browse but are not fully committed to their search. 

This pattern suggests a cautious market where many workers monitor opportunities without fully entering the competition. 

Workload and multiple jobholding have also shifted.  

Among employed job seekers, 47 percent say they worked more than usual in the past year, down from 58 percent last year.  

The share working longer hours and more shifts than usual has fallen to 33 percent from 43 percent, and those reporting more overtime than usual dropped to 24 percent from 31 percent.  

The proportion taking on another job in addition to their current one stands at 20 percent, down from 30 percent last year. 

Generational differences remain pronounced.  

Gen Z job seekers are much more likely than Gen X or boomers to say they have worked longer hours this past year (66 percent compared to 45 percent and 27 percent, respectively).  

They are also more likely to report working more overtime (39 percent compared to 17 percent and 12 percent, respectively), suggesting younger workers may be bearing a heavier load or pursuing additional income and experience. 

Bob Funk Jr., CEO, president and chairman of Express Employment International, said success in a changing job market will go to people who stay focused, flexible and proactive.  

He said job seekers who invest in their skills, stay open to new opportunities and clearly communicate their value will be best positioned to find the right fit in 2026. 

The Job Seeker Report was conducted online within Canada by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals.