Both workers and managers across Canada are facing unique challenges in 2025. From shifting economic pressures to the push and pull over flexible work, organizations and professionals have to navigate a complex environment this year.Here’s a look at the top factors, based on Robert Half research, that are impacting the Canadian workplace and will continue to shape 2025:
According to the 2025 Canada Salary Guide From Robert Half, pay remains the top incentive for Canadian professionals to search for new opportunities, with 60% of job seekers saying they want a higher salary.Meanwhile, 51% of employees report feeling underpaid, and one third – 33% - said that if they don’t receive a raise from their current jobs this year, they’ll look for a new role.With 90% of hiring managers reporting challenges finding skilled talent, retention can be as critical as hiring – and few retention strategies are more successful than rewarding top performers.
While salary might be the primary factor when it comes to career decisions, greater benefits and perks are a close second, cited by half of job seekers as a key reason they’re looking for new work according to the 2025 Canada Salary Guide From Robert Half. The top three benefits valued by respondents were:Paid time offRetirement savings planExtended health insurance
Meanwhile, the top three perks were flexible work schedules (65%), remote work options (53%), and a tie between employee discounts and wellness perks (both 34%). In fact, nearly one third – 32% - of job seekers say they want more flexibility than their company currently offers, and 34% of employees saying they’re not seeking a new job because they don’t want to give up their current level of flexibility. Recognizing this, 37% of employers are offering flexible work arrangements to attract and hire skilled candidates.
More Canadian companies than ever are incorporating advanced technology such as generative AI into their operations, and data from the 2025 Canada Salary Guide From Robert Half bears this out. Just over half – 51% – of hiring managers say that AI and automation skills are now in high demand, while 30% of workers report that using generative AI has increased their efficiency and improved the results of their work. The younger the workers, the more likely they are to use it: 47% of Gen Z and 32% of millennial professionals report benefitting from AI, while only 23% of Gen X and 14% of baby boomer professionals say the same.With the technology still relatively new, workers need to keep an open mind about generative AI, while employers need to provide the necessary resources and training so that workers can take full advantage of its benefits.
When asked how they’re addressing skills gaps at their companies, nearly half (49%) of hiring managers say they are upskilling employees to learn new skills within their current role, while 44% say they are reskilling employees for new role within their company. Meanwhile, 43% are providing financial assistance to help employees obtain professional certifications.With skills gaps crossing industries and specializations, often exacerbated by advances in technology such as generative AI, it’s imperative that employers make sure their workers understand how these new tools can enhance – rather than replace – their jobs.
Overall workplace trends around skills gaps, AI and flexibility aren't likely to change anytime soon. The size of budgets and use of contract talent may depend on various economic factors, but one thing is clear: the Canadian job market will continue to be unpredictable and complex.For both workers and employers, it is important to stay attuned to changing conditions and how workplace trends for 2025 could impact your career or business.Ready to align with 2025’s workplace trends? Learn how Robert Half can help you in the coming year, whether you’re looking to hire or looking for a job.
