Two-thirds of job seekers say there are more risks than benefits, finds report
For employers, taking a stance on social and political issues does not always equate to positives, according to a report.
Most Canadian job seekers (64%) believe there is more of a risk than a benefit to companies taking a stance on political issues when it comes to attracting quality candidates, found Express Employment Professionals.
“Every company must thoughtfully choose which issues to take a stance on, based on their values and the needs of their stakeholders,” said Bill Stoller, Express Employment International CEO. “It’s about finding the right balance between staying true to the company’s mission and addressing the concerns that matter most to their employees and customers. This careful consideration helps ensure that any stance taken is both genuine and impactful.”
Political stance can put off job candidates
More than 1 in 2 (54%) say they would likely decline a job offer from a company that has a stance they disagree with on an issue important to them. Just under half (48%) say they would likely quit a job for the same reason, and 43% say they are less likely to apply in the first place to a company that hasn’t taken a stance on issues that are important to them.
When it comes to politics specifically, just over half of those surveyed (51%) say a company’s political stance (their views on policies, legislation, etc.) has an impact on their likelihood of even applying for a job there, found Express Employment Professionals.
And 70% of hiring decision-makers agree that companies that take a stance on political issues will ultimately face more risks than benefits when it comes to attracting quality candidates.
Conversations surrounding politics expose the weaknesses of workplace culture across organizations, putting employment relationships and overall wellbeing at risk, according to a previous report.
Which political issues matter most?
Still, 66% of Canadian job seekers say they want to work for a company that is comfortable speaking out on issues that matter to them, according to Express’ survey of 505 Canadian adults, conducted May 28 – June 10, 2024.
The most commonly listed issues are:
- Environmental issues (37%)
- Diversity, equity and inclusion (36%)
- Racism (35%)
- Sexism (27%)
Some Canadians have even challenged or questioned their company’s stance on specific issues, including free speech (18%), politics (18%), sexism (17%), DEIB (17%), racism (16%) and environmental issues (15%).
Also, more than two-thirds of hiring managers (71%) feel that there are topics companies should speak out about publicly. The most listed include environmental issues (37%), racism (37%), DEIB (35%), free speech (30%), sexism (25%) and LGBTQ+ issues (23%).
Almost 1 in 5 say they have had a job applicant or current employee question their company’s stance on various issues, including DEIB (18%), free speech (17%), racism (15%), the environment (15%), sexism (14%) and politics (12%).
Previously, civil rights organizations in the United States called on Fortune 1000 companies to "stand up against anti-inclusion extremism" amid growing opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts in the US.
