Pandemic causing professional setbacks, shift in career attitudes: survey

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – A lot of Canadian workers say the pandemic has contributed to professional setbacks, according to a recent survey.

Around 27 per cent of professionals nationwide say their career has stalled since the business word was forced to slow down because of the coronavirus. That number increases to 55 per cent for people aged 18 to 24. About two-thirds of workers say they are feeling stuck when it comes to salary growth and career advancement.

“It’s been difficult for a lot of individuals to focus and look long-term in their careers when they were even insecure about their own jobs, and now you’re also looking at how careers have taken a hit since the start of the pandemic,” said Mike Shekhtman with staffing firm Robert Half.

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Research also found many managers are are worried about staff retention as they haven’t been able to promote top performers.

“Almost 50 per cent of employers have had to put promotions on hold,” Shekhtman said. “So there’s a direct correlation to individuals not seeing the career advancement that they had on their plate, pre-pandemic as well as just the ability to grow their professional network.”

Around 28 per cent of respondents say they have had a shift in feelings towards work and they have considered switching careers to a more fulfilling job.