Employers risk trust as payroll errors hit millions across Canada
More than half of working Canadians say a delayed paycheque would leave them struggling to cover their bills, according to new poll results released by Employment Hero.
The survey gathered responses from over 1,000 working Canadians and found that payroll errors and delays are hitting both employees and businesses hard.
The poll revealed that 51 percent of workers rely on their employer to ensure payroll is processed correctly and on time.
Over the past five years, 38 percent have experienced a paycheque inaccuracy or delay, representing roughly 7.8 million Canadians. Of those affected, 62 percent said the issues occurred with multiple paycheques.
On the employer side, the survey found that 74 percent of employees would feel negatively toward their workplace if a paycheque was delayed.
Meanwhile, only 55 percent of respondents said they would definitely inform their employer if they were overpaid.
Kevin Kliman, president of Canadian Business at Employment Hero, said, “When people don't get paid properly or on time, it’s not just a payroll error – it’s a broken promise.”
He added that in today’s economy, every dollar counts and Canadians cannot afford to be left waiting because of outdated, unreliable systems.
He added that payroll is “the backbone of people’s financial stability and a foundation of trust between employers and their teams.”
Employment Hero introduced its Employment Operating System (Employment OS), described as the first integrated employment platform in Canada that unifies recruitment, onboarding, benefits, HR advisory, and employee wellbeing in one system.
It also includes a payroll solution designed specifically for Canadian business requirements.
Despite payroll errors being common, the poll showed that only 69 percent of Canadians review their paycheques at least once a month.
Nearly one third do not review regularly, increasing the likelihood of unnoticed mistakes.
Kliman said, “When payroll goes wrong, employees pay the price – from delayed paycheques putting strain on their budget to a mistake making their tax returns a nightmare.”
Employment Hero highlighted four areas employees should review on their pay stubs: timeliness of payment, accuracy of amounts including overtime and bonuses, deductions such as taxes and benefits, and hours worked.
