SASKATOON — New graduates entering the workforce prefer satisfaction and work-life balance over higher wages, according to a recent study by business solutions think-tank ADP Canada. The Happiness@Work Index study revealed that Saskatchewan is among the preferred provinces for new graduates looking to start their careers.
Interestingly, Saskatchewan, along with Alberta, has the lowest minimum wage in the country at $15 per hour. The province, however, earned high marks for compensation and benefits for workers. Another encouraging sign for new graduates is the relatively low cost of living in Saskatoon and Regina.
“Saskatchewan scored 6.2 out of 10 for compensation and benefits, tying with Ontario for the top spot. That’s a strong signal that even if base wages aren’t the highest, workers still feel they’re being fairly compensated, possibly due to lower living costs or attractive benefits packages,” said ADP Canada marketing vice-president Heather Haslam.
“Employers in Saskatchewan have an opportunity here. Clearer communication around career paths, mentorship programs, stretch assignments, and investments in upskilling can go a long way in supporting employee growth. Not every worker wants to be a manager, some are looking for growth in different ways. The key is to listen and respond with tailored opportunities.”
She added that, despite not being officially measured, Saskatchewan earned a 6.8 overall work happiness score, tied for the highest with Alberta and Quebec in April. Secondary indicators that make up the overall work happiness score include work-life balance and flexibility, compensation and benefits, recognition and support, and career advancement options.
One of Saskatchewan’s biggest strengths lies in work-life balance and flexibility – a key driver of satisfaction among young professionals who prioritize well-being and autonomy. However, the province scored lower in career advancement, an essential consideration for ambitious new graduates.
Haslam said Saskatchewan employers need to rethink their career advancement and skills development programs. Strengthening those could help them remain competitive in recruiting and retaining workers.
“First, have frequent conversations with your workers to understand what their career goals are and help them build out a career roadmap. Some workers aspire to become managers, while others seek increased personal responsibilities and higher pay. Understanding your workers’ priorities through consistent check-ins can help your business with more personalized career development strategies,” said Haslam.
“Second, providing your employees with mentors is essential. Look to identify more senior employees who can help guide newer employees through their career journey, including learning new skills and overcoming obstacles. Third, try to give workers more stretch projects when possible. Challenge them with opportunities that will help them learn new skills, meet new people, and gain a deeper understanding of the business from a different perspective. Fourth, invest in skills development. Today’s world of work is evolving rapidly due to new technologies, and giving your workers the resources and time to learn and master these new technologies can help them take their careers to the next level.”
Haslam said ADP Canada measures the Happiness@Work Index monthly, conducting the survey with Harris Poll Canada in the first week of each reported month. It surveys more than 1,200 randomly selected employed Canadian adults (including both employees and self-employed individuals) who are Maru Voice Canada online panellists, asking them to rate workplace factors on a scale from 1 to 10.
The results are weighted by education, age, gender and region (and in Quebec, language) to match the population according to the latest census data. This ensures the sample is representative of the adult Canadian workforce. ADP Canada’s Happiness@Work Index is published on the last Wednesday of each month to track ongoing worker sentiment and help employers better understand what drives their employees.
