Prairie workers beat winter blues

Prairie workers are starting the year on a more positive note, with new data showing some of the largest gains in workplace happiness anywhere in Canada.

Despite January’s typically challenging winter month, the latest ADP Canada Happiness@Work Index found workplace happiness in Manitoba and Saskatchewan rose by 0.4 points in January, bringing the regional score to 7.0 out of 10.

The increase marks the largest month-over-month gain nationally and places the Prairie provinces slightly above the national average of 6.9, marketing vice-president Heather Haslam told the Sun.

She said the index reflects how workers perceive different aspects of their jobs through a monthly survey that asks employees to rate their experiences on a scale from one to 10.

“When we look at the underlying factors behind the Happiness Score, there are some strong gains across the board for workers in the prairies,” Haslam said in an email. “Together, these gains suggest workers are feeling both supported in the present and optimistic about their future, which is a powerful combination for workplace happiness.”

The data shows improvements in several areas. Work-life balance and flexibility increased by 0.5 points to 7.1 out of 10, tying Manitoba and Saskatchewan with British Columbia for the highest score in the country in that category.

Options for career advancement rose by 0.7 points — the largest increase recorded nationally — reaching 6.6 out of 10. Recognition and support, along with compensation and benefits, also saw gains.

The results came at a time when many Canadians experience seasonal fatigue and burnout, Haslam said, Prairie workers appear to be resisting the typical January slump.

“Manitoba’s resistance to the typical seasonal blues can likely be traced back to January’s positive employee sentiment around work-life balance,” she said. “When people feel they have control over their work-life balance, it changes how they experience challenging months.”

Nationally, 68 per cent of workers reported feeling confident about taking time off this year, while 64 per cent said they feel confident managing their workload. Factors that can help reduce stress during the winter months.

Regionally, Manitoba and Saskatchewan now sit tied with Ontario for second place nationally in workplace happiness, behind Atlantic Canada at 7.2. Alberta, meanwhile, ranked last among regions at 6.6, highlighting differences in worker sentiment across the Prairies.

“What stands out the most is the size of the month-over-month gain,” Haslam said. “The region’s increase shows positive momentum for workers and could serve as a valuable model for other provinces seeking to enhance their work environments.”

From a business perspective, Haslam said the findings reinforce the importance of workplace fundamentals, particularly flexibility and clear expectations around workload.

“It suggests many employers are creating environments where workers genuinely feel supported and comfortable enough to disconnect when needed and manage their responsibilities realistically,” she said.

However, challenges remain. Nationally, only about half of workers are optimistic about receiving a salary increase this year, and just over half feel confident in achieving their career goals.

Haslam said transparent communication around compensation and long-term career development will be key if employers want to sustain the current momentum through 2026.

“The foundation is already in place,” she said. “The critical question remains whether employers will take a holistic approach to build upon it.”

» aodutola@brandonsun.com

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