If you're wondering what the job outlook looks like for 2020, in a nutshell, the future is looking brighter than you may think! Did you know that jobs in Canada improved last year adding in more full-time jobs with less temporary work, growing unionization, and rising wages?
According to a recent January article in The Star, the quantity of employment expanded strongly as well as the quality of work. Wages are expected to rise as well! This means that better job quality spells improvement in income equality and social well-being.
Jobseekers, if you are seeking full-time work and more higher-paying career opportunities, strike now while the iron is hot in the labour market!
To recap of the key drivers in 2019, December welcomed a gain of 35,000 full-time jobs, reversing November's losses. Average employment rose by 390,000 jobs in 2019 compared to 2018 -- the biggest annual increase since 1979. The unemployment rate averaged 5.7% -- the lowest since 1976!
Full-Time Job Increases with New Better-Paying Jobs and Increased Security
But there is more. Seventy-five per cent of new jobs in 2019 were full-time roles and many offering better pay and security. Temporary work actually decreased on average in 2019. What does this mean? For temporary employees seeking to scale up and secure full-time work, this may be the perfect time to scope out rewarding opportunities that offer more pay and lucrative benefits.
Self-Employment Trend: Take Charge, Entrepreneurs!
What was the picture like for the self-employed? Self-employment actually declined to 15%+ and remains at the lowest since 2002. This trend is possibly enticing some Canadians to reevaluate self-employment options as they move forward. However, those with a clear focus, a creative, entrepreneurial vision, and forward-thinking approach will reap results!
The key message: Entrepreneurs, believe in your vision and mission to take your business further. Innovation and customer service excellence is key!
By leveraging a solid business plan and brand marketing strategy that sets you apart, you will achieve valuable gains. Steer the course and keep driving continuous improvement.
Increasing Public Sector Job Growth in 2019
In the public sector, wages and job security tend to be more rewarding. If you are seeking a job in the public sector, you can expect to see more opportunities here.
The good news here? Higher minimum wages in several provinces and expanded public services are sparking more public sector hiring and measures to promote unionization and collective bargaining.
Public sector agencies added 55,000 net jobs in 2019 -- totalling 300,000 new positions over the last 5 years. Unionized employment grew by 130,000 positions in 2019 -- the biggest jump in union jobs since the turn of the century. Further, average hourly wages increased 3.4% in 2019 -- the best since 2007 while wage growth exceeded 4% over the last half of the year.
The goods news: Average incomes for Canadian workers are growing significantly faster than inflation, improving purchasing power.
Yet, this labour market trend requires employers to rethink their recruitment and retention strategy of bolstering wages and working conditions to attract and retain top-performing talent.
If such trends continue with positive growth, this will likely increase opportunities for jobseekers to secure more meaningful and satisfying work.
But remember, you can increase your success through leveraging a compelling brand marketing portfolio along with exploring the hidden job market.
With the right strategy, you will make valuable gains!
The year of 2020 is the time to fuel change, and if you need professional career support, please contact Creative Horizons Communications. Call Lori @ 905.730.2374 or email creativehorizonsresumes@gmail.com.
Think creatively and visualize a new career horizon!
Lori Jazvac is an award-winning Master Resume Writer/Certified Career Transition Coach and Certified Hidden Job Market Coach. Lori is the Founder of Creative Horizons Communications, a trusted holistic career services provider in Halton serving jobseekers globally to embrace their next career milestone.