By Gazette Staff
August 11th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
With return-to-office mandates ramping up across Canada, new data from ADP Canada’s July Happiness@Work Index and what it reveals about what today’s workers really want.
Despite mounting pressure to be physically present, Canadians across regions and generations are doubling down on work-life balance and they’re not budging.
The message from the July Index is clear: flexibility isn’t a perk—it’s the foundation of workplace happiness.
Here’s a national snapshot of what’s driving workplace sentiment:
Many think that this is a true picture of work-life balance.
Balance Comes First: Work-life balance and flexibility are the top contributors to workplace happiness, scoring 6.9/10—beating out recognition, compensation and career growth.
Boomers Are Leading the Way: At 7.4/10, Boomers place the highest value on balance, reinforcing its role in retention as many delay retirement.Time Off Matters: With 69% of Canadian workers planning to take vacation this summer—and 41% staying local—it’s clear that disconnecting to recharge is a priority, even amid economic pressures.
Happiness Holds Steady: The national Work Happiness Score remains unchanged at 6.8/10, suggesting Canadians are holding the line on what matters most at work.
National Work Happiness Score: Generational Snapshot
- Boomers (61+): 7.1/10 (-0.2) *
- Gen-Z (18-28): 7.0/10 (+0.3) *
- Millennials (29-44): 6.8/10 (NC) *
- Gen-X (45-60): 6.6/10 (NC) *
Regional Work Happiness Score Snapshot
- Sask./Manitoba: 7.1/10 (+0.1) *
- Atlantic Canada: 7.1/10 (+0.4) *
- Québec: 7.0/10 (+0.2) *
- British Columbia: 6.8/10 (NC) *
- Ontario: 6.8/10 (+0.1) *
- Alberta: 6.4/10 (-0.5) *
The Boomers have made huge changes during every decade they were the biggest part of the demographic. It hasn’t always been for the better.
ADP offers the following services: Fast, easy, accurate payroll and tax, so you save time and money. Track hours worked, manage time-off requests and seamlessly integrate with payroll. From recruitment to retirement, getting the very best out of your people.
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