A new study of Canadian workers shows shifting workplace priorities across generations, with younger employees placing stronger emphasis on purpose, sustainability, wellbeing, and job stability. The Workplace Values Survey1, commissioned by First Onsite Property Restoration, explores how Canadians view the role of employers in supporting individuals, communities, and the environment.
The planet and its people
Beyond wages and policies, Canadians increasingly want employers to make a positive impact. Six-in-10 respondents (61%) say it is important to work in an industry that helps people, a sentiment that is strongest amongst Millennials (68%) and Gen Z (65%). Also, half of Canadians (52%) believe it is important to work for an organization focused on sustainability, rising to 58 per cent among both Millennials and Gen Z.
“Purpose is a talent magnet and the desire to make a positive impact remains a powerful motivator in the workforce, especially among younger generations,” said Leah Pearson, Senior Director, Human Resources at First Onsite. “This is pushing industries like disaster restoration to level up and play a more direct role in supporting communities and safeguarding the environment.”
Primary healthcare access
Access to health resources continues to be a challenge for many Canadians. More than one-in-five (22%) report not having a primary healthcare provider, a number that climbs above 25 per cent among Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X. This underscores the growing importance of employer-supported health benefits in filling critical gaps.
Job stability concerns
Job stability also weighs heavily on Canadians. Over one-third of respondents (35%) worry that geopolitical developments such as trade protectionism or economic nationalism could affect their employment. Concerns are highest among Gen Z (43%) and Millennials (42%), compared to 24 per cent of Boomers.
Concerns about climate-related disruptions are affecting Canadians’ workplace anxiety. Overall, 19 per cent of Canadians worry that climate events could impact their jobs. By generation, the concern is highest among Millennials (26%) and Gen Z (23%), followed by Gen X (17%) and Boomers (12%).
Meanwhile, nearly one-third of Gen Z workers (32%) plan to quit or change jobs in 2025—which is significantly higher than Millennials (20%), Gen X (18%), and Boomers (5%)—highlighting shifting career priorities among younger generations.
Detailed survey findings by age cohort are provided in the table below.
| Workplace Values Survey Questions |
All Ages | Gen Z | Millennials | Gen X | Boomers |
| Employee wellbeing is a human right | 85% | 88% | 87% | 87% | 83% |
| It is important to work with a company that is focused on sustainability initiatives | 52% | 58% | 58% | 49% | 46% |
| I would like to work in an industry where I am helping people | 61% | 65% | 68% | 62% | 52% |
| I do not have a primary health care provider or general practitioner | 22% | 26% | 26% | 25% | 14% |
| Recent geopolitical factors (such as trade protectionism and economic nationalism) will affect my job stability | 35% | 43% | 42% | 36% | 24% |
| I believe climate related events and natural disasters will affect my present job stability | 19% | 23% | 26% | 17% | 12% |
| I plan to quit or change jobs in 2025 | 16% | 32% | 20% | 18% | 5% |
| Source: First Onsite and Angus Reid |
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Overall employee wellbeing
One thing that is consistent across geographies and generations—employee health and wellness is an essential need. A recent Harvard Business Review study underscores that supporting mental health goes beyond apps or mindfulness sessions—it demands an organization-wide commitment. Moreover, over the past three years, the First Onsite Workplace Values Survey found that more than 85 per cent of Canadians view employee wellbeing not just as a benefit, but as a fundamental human right.
“This is a clear call to action for HR leaders everywhere,” said Pearson. “Wellbeing must be embedded into every aspect of the workplace, not as a perk, but as a core responsibility. That’s how we create environments where people can truly thrive.”
