
Future of Work
The way we work is changing at an accelerated rate. Stay ahead of the curve with the latest insights on the future of the workplace.

Employee Preferences for Workplace Flexibility
Human Resources June 23, 2025
This data briefing highlights the results of our population-based survey, What Matters Most: Employee Perspectives on Total Rewards. The survey, conducted in January 2025, asked 2,508 Canadian labour force participants for their views on total rewards, compensation, benefit offerings, flexible work preferences, and turnover motivations. This briefing focuses on preferences for remote and flexible work.
Data briefing • 6-min read

Labour Relations Outlook
Human Resources May 21, 2025
The Labour Relations Outlook explores themes in collective bargaining for 2025, including an overview of the Canadian economic landscape, insights into the current labour relations climate, and projected wage increases for unionized workers.
Online experience • 8-min read

Human Resources Spotlight Series
Human Resources May 6, 2025
This series explores trending topics in human resources (HR) using two methods: spotlight reports and case studies. The spotlight reports are short, easily digestible pieces that examine best practices in the HR space.
Online experience • 8-min read

HR Metrics
Human Resources May 1, 2025
Make informed decisions when building and revising your human resources programs by benchmarking your HR metrics against other Canadian organizations. Stay up-to-date on current HR trends and see how you can adapt to ensure that you remain competitive in today’s labour market.
Online experience • 8-min read

Compensation Planning Outlook
Human Resources January 30, 2025
Each year, the Conference Board’s Compensation Planning Outlook provides a trusted forecast for compensation and HR professionals across the country. This report gives the most up-to-date data, essential for any organization looking to secure the talent they need to succeed in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
Online experience • 8-min read

The Model of Occupations, Skills and Technology
Canadian Economics December 2, 2024
To help prepare Canadians for the future of work, our researchers and data scientists proudly developed the MOST on behalf of the Future Skills Centre. A sophisticated and data-rich projection tool, the MOST is designed to offer unique insights into the skills that will power Canada’s future labour markets.
Online experience • 8-min read

Business Confidence Still Searching for Rhythm
Canadian Economics November 7, 2024
The Index of Business Confidence has yet to experience a significant bounce back after declining for nine consecutive quarters between 2021 and 2023. In October, the Index decreased by 2.4 points, reversing a 2.1-point increase seen in July. More than 30 per cent of survey respondents pointed to seven key factors that are adversely affecting their planned investment expenditures.
Quick take • 3-min read

What Actions Are Post-secondary Institutions Taking?
Education & Skills August 14, 2024
The federal government has committed to having the country achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Post-secondary institutions (PSIs) play a key role in helping Canada reach this goal because they equip students with the skills and know-how needed to transition to a more sustainable economy. These multi-faceted competencies are broadly considered to be green skills.
Issue briefing • 10-min read
Partner: Future Skills Centre

Business Confidence Sees a Slight Uptick in July
Canadian Economics July 30, 2024
In July, the Index rose by 2.1 points following last survey’s 3.6-point decline. While respondents generally maintained their views on overall economic conditions, the latest rise was driven by a larger share of executives believing now is a good time for business investment and a smaller share expecting their firms’ financial positioning to worsen.
Quick take • 3-min read

SES in the Workplace: Insights From Canadian Employers
Education & Skills June 13, 2024
We asked employers about the kinds of SES they want in new hires, how they assess SES during hiring, and the challenges they face when recruiting for and evaluating these skills.
Issue briefing • 13-min read
Partner: Future Skills Centre

Employers’ Insights on Social and Emotional Skills
Education & Skills June 13, 2024
Social and emotional skills (SES)—also called soft, human, or people skills—are increasingly important for the future of work. What types of SES are employers looking for? How do they assess these skills? What challenges are employers facing recruiting employees with strong SES?
Summary for executives • 3-min read
Partner: Future Skills Centre

Understanding Hiring Demand for Social and Emotional Skills
Education & Skills June 13, 2024
Social and emotional skills (SES) play a vital role in navigating the complexities of the modern workplace. As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape industries and automate routine tasks, employers are recognizing the significance of fostering SES in the workforce.
Data briefing • 15-min read
Partner: Future Skills Centre

An Analysis of the Demand for Green Skills in Canada
Education & Skills June 6, 2024
The threat of climate change is driving an urgent need to decrease reliance on unsustainable practices and technologies in the workplace. The transition to the green economy is expected to create new employment opportunities and surging demand for green expertise for the sustainable jobs of today and tomorrow.
Data briefing • 10-min read
Partner: Future Skills Centre
