Canadian employers struggle to attract and retain employees: Recognize flexibility as big part of solution 

Canadian companies of all sizes, in all parts of the country, and in all industries are finding it difficult to attract and retain employees, according to a survey conducted by Hewitt Associates, a global human resources services company. 

The survey reveals three-quarters of organizations are having problems attracting or retaining new employees, and 44 per cent are struggling with both obstacles. The problem is only expected to worsen, with half of the employees at the 232 firms polled 40-years-old or over. 

But these same organizations also realize offering flexibility is part of the solution. Many of the respondent organizations already offer flexible arrangements and they anticipate expanding such policies in the next three years, according to the survey. About 55 per cent of the companies are expected to offer formal phased retirement by 2009, compared to 26 per cent today. 

In addition, flexible arrangements such as job sharing, flexible hours, compressed work schedules and paid and unpaid sabbaticals are expected to increase in popularity.

For further information, visit: http://www.hewittassociates.com/Intl/NA/en-US/AboutHewitt/Newsroom/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?cid=2865

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