A national survey by Monster Canada shows 1 in 2 Canadians (51 percent) believe their boss has been more like Santa than Scrooge this past year. However, Ebenezer is still alive and well in many work places, with 30 percent, or 1 in 3 Canadians describing their boss as more Scrooge like.
“More Canadians see their boss as the jolly Saint Nick,” says Peter Gilfillan, Senior Vice President of International Sales and General Manager of Monster Canada. “Bosses recognize their staff have worked extra hard through the ups and downs of the economy and want to reward them with a well deserved break from work over the holidays.”
Technology Not Tying Us Down
The Monster Canada survey of Canadians conducted by Harris/Decima shows 79 percent of Canadians plan to take time off during the holidays. While 1 in 2 (48 percent) have no plans to do any work until they return to their job, approximately 1 in 3 (31 percent) will be checking in from time to time, or making themselves available if the boss calls.
While many(57 percent) don’t believe technology is like a digital leash, chaining them to the office, about a third (38 percent) of Canadians say email, laptops and blackberries make it harder to escape.
Regionally, Quebecers are more likely than the rest of Canadians to be taking a complete break from work during the holidays, with 58 percent of Quebecers indicating they’ll be taking time off with no plans to do any work.
Dear Santa More Balance Please
The Monster Canada survey also shows work life balance tops the holiday wish list, with 38 percent of Canadians saying better balance is their number one career goal for 2011. The goal for 29 percent of Canadian workers is a bigger pay cheque, while 13 per cent want more vacation time and 9 percent hope to land a new job.
