Workplace culture is no longer just a buzzword; it’s a critical factor in attracting and retaining talent. According to a recent survey by Dayforce Inc., 74% of Canadian employees say they have or would turn down a job because the employer’s culture didn’t feel like the right fit. This sentiment reflects a global trend, where seven in 10 employees reported the same.

As organizations navigate talent shortages and evolving workplace expectations, the importance of fostering a positive, inclusive, and engaging workplace culture cannot be overstated. Let’s explore the findings and their implications for employers striving to build a thriving workforce.

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Employees Are Looking Beyond Paychecks

The survey, which gathered insights from more than 9,400 global employees working in organizations with 100+ staff, highlights a shift in employee priorities. While compensation remains important, workplace culture has emerged as a dealbreaker for many job seekers.

• 59% of Canadian employees are either actively job-hunting or open to new opportunities—though this is down from 66% in 2023, the figure remains significant.
• A sense of pride in the workplace appears uneven, with only half (51%) of Canadian workers expressing pride in their employer, compared to 69% of executives.

This disparity suggests that leaders may view their workplace culture more favorably than their teams do—a disconnect that could hinder engagement and retention.

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The Hidden Cost of a Poor Culture

Workplace culture impacts more than just employee satisfaction; it has tangible effects on business outcomes. Canadian respondents identified several key benefits of improving workplace culture:

• Increased engagement (53%)
• Improved mental health (54%)
• Greater motivation (46%)

Burnout remains a pervasive issue, with 78% of global employees experiencing symptoms in the past year. This statistic underscores the urgent need for organizations to prioritize well-being as a core component of their culture.

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Diversity, Inclusion, and Authenticity

Diversity and inclusion play a significant role in shaping culture, yet gaps remain in fostering authentic workplaces.

• 61% of respondents said diversity is “very” or “extremely” important to company culture.
• Despite this, only 55% of employees said they feel they can be themselves at work most of the time, compared to 78% of executives.

This disparity suggests a need for leaders to actively engage with employees at all levels, ensuring that diversity and authenticity are not just values on paper but are embedded in everyday practices.

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Bridging the Gap: How Employers Can Improve Culture

To create a workplace culture that resonates with employees, organizations should:

1. Listen Actively: Regularly gather feedback from employees through surveys, focus groups, and one-on-one check-ins.
2. Prioritize Mental Health: Offer support programs, flexible schedules, and wellness initiatives to address burnout and stress.
3. Champion Inclusion: Develop policies and practices that foster diversity, equity, and belonging. Empower employees to bring their authentic selves to work.
4. Engage All Levels: Align leadership and workforce perspectives through open dialogue, shared goals, and transparent communication.

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Conclusion

Workplace culture is more than just a “nice-to-have”; it’s a strategic advantage in today’s competitive job market. With a significant number of employees prioritizing culture over job opportunities, organizations that invest in fostering an inclusive, engaging, and supportive environment will not only attract top talent but also retain and inspire their teams.

The time to act is now. In an era where culture drives outcomes, companies must rise to the challenge—or risk losing their most valuable asset: their people.