Intensions Consulting: The Future Of Work

This month Intensions Consulting and Nikolas Badminton released a new study on the future of work across Canada. The study, which surveyed 2299 adults across Canada, found that a quarter (26%) of Canadian adults believe an unbiased computer program would be more trustworthy and ethical than their workplace leaders and managers. Among younger adults (those aged 20-39) that number was significantly higher, with 31% agreeing that an unbiased computer program would be more trustworthy and ethical than their workplace leaders and managers.
"This study has uncovered some challenging trends for the future of work" says Nick Black. Photo: VFS
For younger adults, who have grown up trusting and relying on technology, there seems to be a growing preference for automated leadership and management - with 34% preferring to be screened or hired, 33% preferring to have their job performance assessed, and 26% preferring to be managed by an unbiased computer program.

FLEXIBILITY IS FOREMOST

At a time of technological change and financial pressure, many people are also beginning to question the rules and norms that govern working life. The data showed that Canadian adults have a strong desire for flexibility in their working life, and if employers aren’t willing to respond, many would consider working for themselves.
"Flexibility and empowerment will be the new work currencies" says Nikolas Badminton.
The study found that 55% of Canadian adults would like their employer to provide extended leave opportunities, 45% would prefer not to work at fixed times (i.e. 9am - 5pm), 41% would prefer not to work at a fixed location (i.e. at an office), 34% would prefer to work from a remote or overseas location, and almost half (45%) would like to start their own business or work for themselves in the future.

FIGHTING FOR CONTROL

Finally, many people are also concerned that work is interfering with their personal lives. Whether it’s cutting corners to save time, or paying other people to do their job for them, Canadian adults are considering some unique ways to take back control at work.

According to the study, 37% of Canadian adults are concerned that work responsibilities are interfering with their personal lives, 30% are always looking for new ways to cut corners and save time at work, 25% think it’s fair to pursue their own projects and interests at work (i.e. developing a business or promoting their own brand), and amongst younger adults, 20% would consider paying other people to do their job for them (i.e. using Craigslist or Freelancer).

ABOUT THIS STUDY

These are the findings of an Intensions Consulting study conducted between August 21, 2015 and February 25, 2016. For this study, an online survey was administered with a sample of 2,299 English-speaking Canadian adults between the ages of 20 and 59. The sample was stratified and weightings were employed to balance demographics, ensure that the sample's composition reflects that of the targeted Canadian population according to Census data, and to provide results intended to approximate the sample universe. A traditional unweighted probability sample of this size would produce results considered accurate to within plus or minus 2.0 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.