FUCKING JOB! is a section where Olivier Schmouker answers your toughest questions [et les plus pertinentes] about the modern business world… and of course about its shortcomings. An appointment to read Tuesdays and the thursdays. Would you like to participate? Send us your question to mauditejob@groupecontex.ca

Q. – “I read your columns regularly. I find them full of practical tips that make a real difference at work and I thank you for that. But I also think you sometimes exaggerate: it’s not true that employees’ lives are an eternal nightmare and that all managers are mean and manipulative! With us, for example, I only see smiles and a good mood while I perform well. – Marc-Andre

A. – Dear Marc-André, it’s my turn to thank you for your positive and constructive comment. I am happy to know that I am doing useful work with the “Maudite Job!” section. And I am delighted that you are evolving in an organization where happiness and efficiency reign supreme.

Still, let me remember that you have to be the famous exception that proves the rule. Because no, joie de vivre is not the norm in the workplace, at least in Canada. As a final piece of evidence, if you really need it, I’d like to use the latest study, State of the Global Workplace: 2023 Report, by management consulting firm Gallup.

This annual report gives the pulse of organizations around the world, particularly in Canada. This will give you a good overview of your health. And the least we can say is that Canadian organizations are generally not in top form. Far from it.

– A motivation that leaves a lot to be desired. Only 21% of Canadians feel engaged in their work. As for the others, they either only work for pay (62%) or are completely disinterested (17%) and look elsewhere for a more exciting job, sometimes even during their working hours.

– One of the most stressed out people in the world. 56% of Canadians say they are stressed at work “most of the day”. This percentage is among the highest in the world, with the record being in Turkey (68%), followed by Lebanon (67%) and Greece (60%). For comparison: China has a share of 55%.

– One in six Canadians is angry at work. The report shows that 17% of Canadians say they’re downright angry “most of the day” at work. This percentage rises to 20% in those under 40, tending to show that early and mid-career workers are those who experience the most work frustrations: difficulties in balancing work and private life; compensation that does not meet their expectations; Career development slower than expected; etc

– 3 in 5 Canadians want to change jobs. 60% of Canadian workers surveyed say now is a good time to change jobs. This is also one of the highest percentages in the world, with Kuwait (84%), Mali (73%), and Laos and Denmark (both 70%) on the podium. It should also be noted that 56% of Canadians under the age of 40 admit on condition of anonymity that they are actively looking for a new job. And that for the managers alone that percentage is 44%: That means if you have 5 managers in your organization, today there are 2 who are looking elsewhere hoping that the grass will be greener there!

All of this Marc-André leads me to believe that your organization must be a real gem or that your information on the current state of mind of the employees is not entirely accurate. Anyway, the conclusion seems obvious to me: Employers, take good care of your employees, because they are not doing well! Yes, don’t wait for the situation to escalate further and the whole thing will blow up in your face. The sustainability of your organization is undoubtedly at stake. No more and no less.

By the way, the Chinese thinker Mencius said in the “Book of Books”: “Mercy is on the path of duty.”