[Canada] 30% of employees report decreased productivity due to hunger

In Canada, according to new research, more than a quarter (30 per cent) of employees report decreased productivity due to hunger, Benefits Canada reports.

The survey, by the National Payroll Institute, polled more than 1,400 Canadian employees. Three-quarters of respondents stated that they worry about food affordability while at work, while three in 10 admit to spending more than half an hour each workday thinking about it. 

Lost productivity connected to food insecurity has reportedly been estimated to cost Canada's businesses $65.2 billion annually.

A quarter of survey respondents reported struggling to afford their basic needs, and one in 10 seriously struggles. More than half (53 per cent) stated that food affordability has worsened over the past year, and 43 per cent cited grocery costs as a severe issue that affected their ability to access food.

A third (34 per cent) of respondents reported relying on debt to afford food, 33 per cent said difficulty affording nutritious food has negatively affected their health, and 22 per cent reported losing weight due to food insecurity.

The National Payroll Institute reportedly found that workers who experienced fluctuating pay were 29 per cent more likely to experience food insecurity than those who rarely experienced pay volatility. Employees who would prefer to increase their working hours (19 per cent) were more than twice as likely to experience food insecurity as those who said they’re satisfied with their hours (8 per cent). 

In addition, the survey showed that part-time workers (34 per cent) experienced significantly higher rates of food insecurity than full-time employees (22 per cent).

In a press statement, Peter Tzanetakis - president and chief executive officer of the National Payroll Institute - said, “Employers cannot solve affordability challenges on their own, but workplaces can play an important role in supporting financial stability by helping employees understand their options.

“Predictable, accurate pay and professional payroll practices can help reduce uncertainty for workers navigating ongoing cost pressures and encourage adoption of healthy financial habits.”

Source: Benefits Canada

(Quote via original reporting)

In Canada, according to new research, more than a quarter (30 per cent) of employees report decreased productivity due to hunger, Benefits Canada reports.

The survey, by the National Payroll Institute, polled more than 1,400 Canadian employees. Three-quarters of respondents stated that they worry about food affordability while at work, while three in 10 admit to spending more than half an hour each workday thinking about it. 

Lost productivity connected to food insecurity has reportedly been estimated to cost Canada's businesses $65.2 billion annually.

A quarter of survey respondents reported struggling to afford their basic needs, and one in 10 seriously struggles. More than half (53 per cent) stated that food affordability has worsened over the past year, and 43 per cent cited grocery costs as a severe issue that affected their ability to access food.

A third (34 per cent) of respondents reported relying on debt to afford food, 33 per cent said difficulty affording nutritious food has negatively affected their health, and 22 per cent reported losing weight due to food insecurity.

The National Payroll Institute reportedly found that workers who experienced fluctuating pay were 29 per cent more likely to experience food insecurity than those who rarely experienced pay volatility. Employees who would prefer to increase their working hours (19 per cent) were more than twice as likely to experience food insecurity as those who said they’re satisfied with their hours (8 per cent). 

In addition, the survey showed that part-time workers (34 per cent) experienced significantly higher rates of food insecurity than full-time employees (22 per cent).

In a press statement, Peter Tzanetakis - president and chief executive officer of the National Payroll Institute - said, “Employers cannot solve affordability challenges on their own, but workplaces can play an important role in supporting financial stability by helping employees understand their options.

“Predictable, accurate pay and professional payroll practices can help reduce uncertainty for workers navigating ongoing cost pressures and encourage adoption of healthy financial habits.”

Source: Benefits Canada

(Quote via original reporting)