In the 17 months since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the workforce in Ontario has seen immense changes in the ways in which businesses are structured as well as with the expectations that both employers and employees have about what the future of work will look like.

Ontario Workforce Recovery

To address workforce changes, the provincial government created the Ontario Workforce Recovery Advisory Committee (OWRAC) to make recommendations to help strengthen the future of work in Ontario. HRPA submitted a response with policy recommendations to the OWRAC, informed by the voices of our members and students through our latest Return to Workplace survey as well as a pulse survey in July focused on workplace recovery.

HRPA’s submission to the OWRAC includes recommendations around training and upskilling workers, legislative clarity, improving access to vital services such as flexible childcare, and ensuring that “gig economy” workers are provided with employment standards and health and safety protections.

Read HRPA’s full submission with all our policy recommendations to the OWRAC

Workplace Recovery Pulse Survey Results

HRPA members and students were invited to participate in a pulse survey to share their unique insights as HR professionals on how Ontario can recover from the pandemic and become a leading jurisdiction for employment in North America. Some survey highlights include:

  • Providing childcare supports (62%) was the most selected option by respondents when asked about how economic recovery can be facilitated in Ontario.
  • When asked about their concerns regarding the shift to remote and hybrid work models, respondents were most concerned about the mental health and wellbeing of employees.
  • Over half of respondents (56%) believe that gig workers should be afforded employment standards protections.

Read the full key highlights report for the survey

Thank you to everyone who participated in our recent surveys and shared their ideas on how Ontario can recover from the pandemic and evolve for the future of work.