Reaction To Work Culture in Canada

[@murraytown4]

Canadian work culture is a hybrid of that of the US and Europe…less generous and relaxed than in Europe but more generous and relaxed than the US.

[@Undercoverbooks]

When I first moved to Canada, it was winter, and I was panicked the first day the weather was terrible and I was late for work. I was surprised to find that nobody cared if I was late, they all understood because they were dealing with the snow too, and in fact were surprised I'd even tried to come in. It was never an issue if weather slowed me down or forced me to stay home.

[@jamesheal8157]

if you have skills, are willing to work and start in an entry level position, there is always work. If you're good you won't be in the entry level position long, just tough it out.

[@PnCBio]

Thank you. Demonstrate that you are a valuable addition to the organization, and I've never seen that fail for anyone in any job.

[@Caperhere]

I think the workplace in Canada depends on if your job is unionized.

[@barbsmith1006]

She’s an immigrant teaching about Canadian workplace culture. It depends on the company and the people in that company. If you’re looking for a job in Canada, look in the government websites, then check out the company you’re hoping to work there.

[@davidleaman6801]

I worked for a company that had it's own monthly news letter to employees. In it, I was credited for having an idea that would save the company 1.2 Million dollars per year. I was in a union so I didn't get a raise in pay but I appreciated the honourable mention. CDN

[@Caperhere]

So did I. But employees were rewarded.

[@tanyadebeer4836]

Many of those unfilled jobs are highly educated positions like doctors and nurses. That's because they get a great education in Canada, but can make far more money by working in the US.

[@lacteur1]

Retired now, but I worked for a federal agency at headquarters. I loved my job, but I didn't allow it to identify me, which is why I have had no problems adjusting to retirement. I'm very organized, but the worst part of HQ work culture was meeting deadlines for complicated briefing notes, proposals requiring extensive research, etc to senior management. They were ridiculous. I can't count the number of times I had to tell my Director "If I'm not given the time to do it right, when will I have the time to do it over?" If I was lucky, that might buy me a 12 or 24 hour extension.

[@Motherofone2]

Stats Can is still showing over half a million jobs available in Canada.

[@LoveCats9220]

Hi Mert, if you want current stats please don’t rely on a 3 year old video. Especially one that was released shortly after a pandemic

[@lotusladylotus6159]

The actual term, as used in communications, business, management, education and other contexts, is the 'feedback sandwich': It involves couching (or sandwiching) a piece of constructive criticism (i.e. what they need to improve upon) amid acknowledgement of some things the individual is doing well. For example, within the context of a performance review: "Your sales numbers have been good this year, but you haven't always met quarterly targets; however, on the upside, your customers have expressed overall satisfaction."

[@cynthb]

100% agree on the "shit sandwich" technique. Commonly used, and taught as a technique in the training I've had.

[@dbadilotti]

For some reason, HR just calls it "The Sandwich". No idea why.

[@PnCBio]

In business school, they taught it as a compliment sandwich, but everyone knew it was the shit sandwich. As simple as it seems this lead to some rather big bonuses in US companies for such a novel, managerial tactics. It's blew my mind that this was some kind of technique that they weren't already using.

[@nickd4310]

Working for someone else is always horrible, whatever country you are in.

[@keithpeden7664]

BTW: For historical context, the "sandwich" with various adjectives that is discussed as though it is a new modern idea, was actually introduced decades ago in the Toastmasters program.

[@jebgordon6608]

The advice on small talk should vary by province. I'm out in BC and our small talk is often politics or more accurately complaining about politicians in the East, but if you are in Ontario I'd take her advice and stick to fluff. The jobs are not as available as they were now as in 2022.

[@dutchcanuck11]

From experience, what I find with work culture in Canada is at every single job I've had, there's aways that one person that screws the pooch all day. If you haven't noticed that person at your job, check the mirror lol

[@hakunamatata0177]

There's a lack of entry level jobs that don't require post-secondary education, but there's a TON of skilled jobs available, in trades and healthcare especially.

[@judithanntoole8900]

That’s true…companies like Bell, Coca Cola, Cable and internet companies etc… entry level jobs that can be, are sent offshore so that they don’t have to pay the same wage and 0 benefits. Sad really, because there are a lot of great hires out there, who may not have been able to continue their education.

[@HellaB9487]

The concept of the "s**t sandwich" is officially called the "praise sandwich" Its a coaching technique used by many companies globally and not just in Canada. It's somewhat controversial because it's possible to misinterpret the message in the middle due to the glow of the compliments

[@philu3]

The video is from 2021, almost four years ago; the situation in December 2024 has MASSIVELY changed since then

[@rschrader]

As with anything, there are people that operate at either end of extremes, but broadly speaking, the video is correct in what they said for the majority. It’s especially applicable to white collar office jobs in Canada vs blue collar service jobs. As for the current state of the Canadian job market, it all depends on the job and the need for it. The more skilled and experienced you are at something - the better chance you’ll get a job you want. The shit sandwich isn’t generally named that out loud - but everyone is aware of the name and what it is. 🙃

[@michaeldowson6988]

Theres a lifestyle publication in Canada, that lists jobs in the tech sector and more. The Daily Hive has a Venture subsection for that. It also covers food & dining, architecture/real estate, urban issues and home availability in the major Canadian cities.

[@PatriceBoivin]

She's an extravert -- she seems to like chatting, sharing doughnuts, etc. Probably socializing varies from workplace to workplace and depending on the type of work. In IT people tend to work all day and collaborate on projects but they don't waste much time. There are always a few employees who are burnt out or freeloaders, they like to have conversations all day. People get promoted by being agreeable and sociable but also by getting things done for their supervisor.

[@sylviedaragon2542]

Ethics in work environment are important. There are workers and managers who are negative, jealous and damaging, but they are rare and people must avoid them

[@berbchiderly6241]

I think that, on the whole, Canadians are much more likely to separate work and personal lives. We will work to live, rather than live to work. There is so much in our backyard to enjoy, we're more likely to leave the job at the office. We do put a lot of emphasis, culturally, on social courtesy, which both creates a cooperative worspace, but can make tensions simmer under the surface if not allowed an avenue to express grievances.

[@christinec1928]

As Canadians, we tend to be respectful and helpful in the workplace. There are exceptions to be sure but this is the gold standard. Harassment and bullying are taken very seriously in the workplace and can have legal repercussions too. I believe we're more likely to do what's good for the company/department over our own personal needs.

[@weldboss1]

Canadians have been programmed to put the Government and politicians ahead of their own self interest.

[@brendamiller5785]

To be aware...the unemployment rate always fluctuates in Canada as we are a natural resources based economy..forestry, fishing, mining, oil/gas (although less now than decades ago.) The per cent depends on the time of year. I always had a union job, so no amount of fabulous presentations will get you extra vacation days or a raise. 😊

[@LassDream]

Over 40 years in the workforce and have yet to hear the word "$hit sandwich" lol. In 99% of companies I worked for management always wanted to give you the chance to improve yourself and the compliments were always honest so you were aware that they do appreciate what you have done as well as the feedback. The lady in the video makes it sound like its rude when they do it when its not.

[@PnCBio]

If you work in a high-rise in a major city, this is 100% accurate. I don't think you go terribly wrong in any environment following these tips.

[@JH-jw7pu]

It’s extremely difficult to get a job in the major cities these days. Most graduates (bachelors) go years before they can land a permanent full time position. Due to this, many have now given up looking for a job in their hometowns and have moved to smaller or rural cities for work.

[@JoannDavi]

Um, unemployment in Canada just rose to 6.8%. Productivity per hour worked is low, hence low salaries.

[@jamesheal8157]

@@JoannDavi low productivity is a serious problem. People need to quit trying to get all they can while doing as little as they can and thinking it's smart. See that way too much

[@Jessicab-u7c]

My Son is in a field that is quite difficult it is demanding enough that when he’s finished he exhausted.

[@nickd4310]

I worked in both the UK and Canada and did not notice any differences in the workplace. If you work in Toronto, most of the people you work with will be from other countries.

[@arniewilliamson1767]

The high unemployment is usually in the unskilled labour and high among unskilled immigrants

[@Greyfort777]

I don't know about the small talk thing. If you talk too much, your boss might say something. You're supposed to be working. But teamwork is indeed important.

[@susanlund967]

This depends on the industry. Only some of these things applied in my carreer.

[@wonhung]

That is NOT the working life I've been told about by Canandians that come and work in England. They say that working in England is far better with longer paid holidays, better health packages and unlimited sick time that does not eat away your paid holiday.

[@suebrown3465]

Who are these people? Every job is different and all Canadian aren’t friendly..that’s just generalization That job stats are from 2021..Covid time They make the jobs sound like you have to walk on eggshells with coworkers in Canada Theses ladies are OTT❤️🇨🇦

[@muuchoo]

Depends what company or industry you work in. There are LOTS of exploitative jobs that don’t pay well, lots of service jobs and agriculture. Not worth working here! Also - the “hustle culture” isn’t as intense as it is in the US, but again - depends on the company you work for.

[@canadianmike626]

It really is only super visible in companies that are either working with American companies or park of you company is in both countries. They get super pussed when we do not work the same hours or if they call when I am done for the day. They absolutely lose their sh@t and love to scream when this happens. They try to start stuff but even the US boss' are told to respect the Canadian team members work hours as we have regulations and contractual protection against dealing with US hours.

[@sylviedaragon2542]

There are lots of job available because baby boomers born between 1946 and 1960 are retired. They were the largest generation, so they are leaving at lot of job opportunities.

[@Rosiecats]

This is from 2021, but there are lots of good jobs because the last of the baby boomers have yet to retire.

[@johnandrews3568]

Seems they'll freakin die before they retire, screwing all the Gen Xers out of moving into upper management. Thanks Boomer.

[@verone272]

Omg I do do the shit sandwich thing and I never realized it!! 😂 And it’s a very nice way to receive a criticism actually!!

[@curmudgeonaf]

It depends who you work for. You will only have “Canadian work culture” if you work for a local Canadian company. It is definitely not universal across all jobs. If you would for a US Corp that has an office in Canada, or any other Global Mega Corp, then you will be subjected to the same Corporate Capitalist bullshit that Americans have to deal with. So it depends.

[@bl_leafkid4322]

Happy Hour?? Majority of young workers go to work then straight home after.

[@Rosiecats]

Same for parents and most other people.

[@belladawna5014]

Literally the only place I've seen Happy Hour encouraged, was by a company that owned a bunch of local bars.

[@Marbledesertmedia]

In the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, our work culture is toxic as fuck.

[@IntrepidRobot]

We have a huge deficit of jobs right now. It is impossible to find a job right now without competing with hundreds of candidates.

[@waynebristow4720]

For me, as a Canadian worker for over 40 years, the job is a job, I fell for the "making friends" and regretted a lot of it. Just let me do my job and let me go home. I don't want to hang out with co-workers and do the 'shop talk' hours after we left work. When coworkers know your business outside of work, its talked about at work the next day. Again, I see this video as a bad attempt at comedy.

[@peterzimmer9549]

There are jobs, but they are not in Toronto and Vancouver where everyone wants to live. Nobody wants to live in mining towns or other places where there are jobs to be filled.

[@susanlund967]

I think this video might be Quebec centric.

[@davidleaman6801]

We've got a lot of jobs for citizens from the USA.

[@hilariousname6826]

I'm SO glad I never had to work in a corporate bureaucracy. I don't think I could have lasted five minutes, if it's anything like what they're describing ........ !

[@jebgordon6608]

They teach that technique in Canadian Universities, but they have another name for it. That said everyone calls it a sh!t sandwich, and nobody likes getting one.

[@michellemacdonald966]

Stop this! You have broken the code! As Canadian, it's so true. Enough! Lol

[@paulloper3940]

Funny how her Italian sounded german

[@randywatts6969]

Nobody wants the back-breaking dirty jobs, those are largely most of the job vacancies

[@sarahsnowe]

The expression "work-life balance" is weird. Work is part of life. How can it not be?

[@Shooter333888]

Unemployment is currently extremely high in 2024

[@davidleaman6801]

Canadians will rely on positive reinforcement over negative criticism. Do something good to see how a Canadian responds. We will ignore you if you are being a jerk.

[@canuck5614]

Mac jobs

[@mw-wl2hm]

Not sure the point of most of this.. What job tells you to please BE RUDE. I don't know that there's a country that says it's perfectly acceptable to harass and yell at your co-workers so have at it! lol.. Nothing against it but this seems to be about dictating what personality one should have rather than work culture.

[@Caperhere]

This sounds like a recruitment ad for Quebec.

[@guymarcgagne7630]

Bear in mind this refers to 2021/22 stats. Trudeau's Gov't screwed up big time and over extended immigration quotas. Rather than admit 1.3 million folks according to their own projected targets, they admitted 3.6 million over 3 yrs (2021-2024, post COVID) We are suffering from a housing shortage and competitive job opportunities (well paid), lots of low end jobs and increased real-estate and rental rates across the country, this before the aforementioned disproportionate influx! So now, folks are POd, we are now losing prime immigrants who actually went through the hoops to come here, and then get stuck with the dredges that are economic leeches! So the environment is getting less accommodating with new arrivals, especially in mid to low end jobs! Otherwise, the video is pretty much spot on! It is a circumstantial adjustment that is hopefully based strictly on current exigencies. Be well and stay safe

[@randywatts6969]

You’ll still find lots of nasty people in the world place, not everyone is nice

[@thinkpadBentnoseTheBlind]

She knows nothing.

[@northerngurl6178]

This video has nothing to do with Canadian work environment, more so just some random lady lecturing people on how to behave like we're idiots, waste of time honestly

[@Bruhaha9]

Canadian work culture is addressing customers in an overly familiar, rude way without realising or caring. Pretending you know the answer to a question and conveying wrong information. taking no pains to right a wrong that’s on your company’s side. Not understanding the basic idea of two sides exchanging something so your side needs to follow through on the expectation. Etc

[@weldboss1]

Canadian work culture is centred around a social hierarchy. If you drink or use drugs socially you will be accepted by most Canadians. However if you are a Christian you will almost be flatly denied promotion or even equal salary except in the strictest unionized environment. Having lived in Canada for 45 years the secular nature of the country has really deteriorated the living conditions and general neighbourly feel of a once pleasant country, especially the workforce.

[@Oxmustube]

Yet another video that would have you believe that Toronto is Canada.

[@waynebristow4720]

To me, this video comes off as an attempt to be comical. Her take on things might be loosely based on what's happening, I left the working world in 2010 and it was nothing like she describes, I worked over 40 years.

[@BarbMacdonald-uv9zd]

Clearly these two women do not hold jobs in Canada, this video has nothing to do with the work culture in Canada.

[@belladawna5014]

They are based in the GTA from their page info

[@BarbMacdonald-uv9zd]

@ they know nothing about work culture in Canada