According to recent data from Statistics Canada, the country's unemployment rate is at a historic low, with only 5% of the population without work in February 2023. As a result, many Canadians are finding themselves in new jobs and are eager to keep them.
But what does it take to maintain employment in today's competitive market?
Employment Counsellors at TRACKS Employment in Collingwood believe that keeping a new job is all about building a solid foundation and that workers need to be reliable, punctual, and willing to learn. Those are the basics that help you stand out and succeed.
Importance should also be put on building good relationships with colleagues and supervisors. Soft skills like being respectful and courteous to everyone you work with are imperative to retain employment. Remember that you're part of a team, and your success is dependent on the success of others.
New employees should also take initiative and seek out opportunities to learn and grow, don't be afraid to ask questions and seek feedback. This shows that you're interested in doing a good job and are invested in your work.
Research has shown that job satisfaction and engagement are key factors in retaining employees. According to Forbes, engaged employees are 87% less likely to leave their jobs than those who are disengaged. To foster engagement, Tracks recommends finding meaning and purpose in one's work.
Another factor in job retention is work-life balance. A survey by the Canadian Mental Health Association found that 58% of Canadians say they have a hard time balancing work and personal life. New employees should still set boundaries and prioritize self-care within the scope of their job description.
Tracks sees the benefits of making sure you're taking breaks, getting enough sleep, and setting aside time for hobbies and relationships outside of work. This will help you avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
No job is perfect, and there will always be challenges. But if you're open to feedback and willing to learn and adapt, you'll be able to overcome those challenges and succeed in your new role.
Getting ahead in your job today requires more than just doing the bare minimum. By building strong relationships, looking for chances to grow, finding meaning in what they do, making sure they have a good work-life balance, and being open to feedback, new employees can set themselves up for success in the long run.
TRACKS offers free, confidential career advice and information to anyone in the Collingwood area.
Our employment counsellors can help with resumes, job search strategies, and even offer interview coaching. We also offer a variety of job search workshops.