What happened
The National Payroll Institute has released findings from its Cost of Hunger for Working Canadians Survey, as reported by Talent Canada. The survey found that one in four employed Canadians struggle to afford basic needs, and one in 10 struggle at a serious level.
More than half of respondents (53 per cent) said food affordability has worsened over the past year. 34 per cent rely on debt to buy food. 30 per cent report lower productivity because of hunger, and three-quarters worry about food costs while at work. The Institute estimates the lost productivity costs Canadian businesses $65.2 billion a year.
Pay structure stood out. Workers with fluctuating pay are 29 per cent more likely to be food insecure than those who rarely see pay swings. Part-time workers report food insecurity at 34 per cent, against 22 per cent for full-time employees. Among workers who want more hours, the rate is 19 per cent, against 8 per cent for those happy with their hours. The survey covered 1,419 employed Canadians between March 19 and April 2, with a margin of error of +/- 2.6 per cent, 19 times out of 20.
Why it matters if you are hiring
This is a retention and attendance story as much as a wellbeing one. Employers with part-time, shift-based or variable-pay roles carry the most exposure. Think warehouse, food production, hospitality, retail and call centre work.
Workers who want more hours are the most at risk. If you schedule people at 20 hours but they want 35, you are likely to see distraction, absenteeism and turnover. They will also leave for the first employer offering steadier hours, even at similar hourly pay.
For candidates, predictability is becoming part of the offer. Guaranteed minimum hours, schedules posted well ahead and reliable pay dates can matter as much as a small wage bump. Employers who can offer them have an edge in filling hard roles.
The report is clear that employers cannot solve affordability on their own. But pay practices are within your control, and accurate, on-time pay is the baseline.
One thing to do this week
Pull your part-time and variable-hours roster and check how many people have asked for, or would likely take, more hours. Then see whether you can convert some of those shifts into a guaranteed minimum or a fuller schedule before you post a new opening.
Traverse helps employers across Canada and the US find operations, contract and industrial people, and we can help you shape roles and hours that attract and keep reliable workers.