Access to technology, flexible work arrangements
would attract new talent
TORONTO, Sept. 13, 2016 /CNW/ - A majority of
Canadians would consider working for the civil service in
Canada, lured by the promise of
good pay and a stable career path – but many have expectations
around state-of-the-art workplace technology and a stable work-life
balance which must be addressed in order to attract and retain
them, according to a survey conducted on behalf
of Accenture (NYSE: ACN).
Two in three (64 per cent) Canadians say they would consider
working for a government department, Crown Corporation or agency in
the future, the survey showed. Of these respondents who said they
would consider public service, 82 per cent want to be in a highly
innovative, agile workplace, with tools and technologies that
improve their collaboration, access to data, productivity and
customer service (40 per cent said they "very much" want this, 42
per cent said they "somewhat" do). In addition, 93 per cent of
those who would consider a career in the civil service would be
attracted by the lure of a flexible work arrangement, or the
ability to work from a location of their choice, including their
own home (68 per cent said they "very much" want this, 25 per cent
say they "somewhat" do).
"Governments and related organizations are increasingly aware of
the need to recruit their 'next generation' talent as the boomer
generation begins to retire, and that will require ongoing changes
to keep pace with the expectations of a younger and
digitally-enabled workforce," said Dave
Telka, Canadian Federal Digital lead for Accenture. "At the
same time, governments must continue to address increasing citizen
expectations for ease of transacting, requiring digital tools and
solutions."
As an example, Telka notes that the Government of Canada's Information Technology Strategic Plan
2016-2020 highlights the transformation required to address citizen
expectations around a responsive, modern and secure digital
government, which would raise the expectations of current and
future employees for a digital workplace that supports the
flexibility that today's employee has come to expect.
The survey assessed the views of various demographics, including
those who already work for the government. Of those who said they
would consider a career in the civil service:
- 94 per cent of respondents would consider the civil service for
the promise of a protected job with a good salary, benefits and
pension (72 per cent "very much" and 22 per cent "somewhat");
- 89 per cent would consider a move into the civil service for a
10 per cent increase in pay for specialty skills or high job
performance (53 per cent "very much" and 35 per cent
"somewhat")';
- 88 per cent would work as a civil servant if it meant being in
a responsive organization to improve service delivery and value for
money, ultimately bettering the way government operates with its
citizens (47 per cent "very much" and 41 per cent "somewhat");
- 87 percent would consider the move if it presented the
opportunity to make a difference for Canada; (47 per cent "very much" and 39 per
cent "somewhat")
"To have flexibility with work arrangements often means the
ability to work from home – and that will require leading-edge
collaboration tools to be connected to the office from home, in
order to work virtually. It requires policy changes and a cultural
shift, but most of all, this is enabled by technology," Telka said.
"Working with modern technologies that support workplace delivery
expectations has a positive impact on employees. It creates job
satisfaction, increased workplace engagement and ultimately, a more
productive and satisfied employee."
Across age demographics, the Accenture survey showed that
Canadians ages 18- to 34-years-old and 35- to 54-years old are
significantly more likely than those 55 years old and older to
consider becoming a civil servant. The promise of a flexible work
arrangement, which may include the ability to work from home, held
significant appeal for those in the age 35- to 54-year-old group,
at 91 per cent (62 per cent "very much" and 30 per cent "somewhat")
compared to 84 per cent of Millennials (57 per cent "very much" and
27 per cent "somewhat") and 71 per cent of boomers (46 per cent
"very much" and 25 per cent "somewhat").
Six per cent of Canadian survey respondents already work for the
civil service. All other respondents who would consider civil
service, BC ranked the highest (71 per cent), followed by
Saskatchewan and Manitoba (70 per cent), Ontario (67 per cent), Alberta (63 per cent), the Atlantic provinces
(60 per cent) and Quebec (57 per
cent).
Methodology
Ipsos conducted an online poll of 1,000 Canadians between July 22 and July 25 on behalf of
Accenture. Weighting was used to balance demographics to ensure
that the sample's composition reflected the adult population
according to Census data and to approximate the sample universe.
The precision of Ipsos online polls is measured using a credibility
interval. The poll is accurate to within +/ - 3.5 percentage
points, 19 times out of 20. The credibility interval will be wider
among subsets of the population. All sample surveys and polls may
be subject to other sources of error, including, but not limited to
coverage error, and measurement error.
About Accenture
Accenture (NYSE: ACN) is a leading global professional services
company, providing a broad range of services and solutions in
strategy, consulting, digital, technology and operations. Combining
unmatched experience and specialized skills across more than 40
industries and all business functions – underpinned by the world's
largest delivery network – Accenture works at the intersection of
business and technology to help clients improve their performance
and create sustainable value for their stakeholders. With
approximately 375,000 people serving clients in more than 120
countries, Accenture drives innovation to improve the way the world
works and lives. Visit us at www.accenture.com.
SOURCE Accenture