WHAT IS IT LIKE TO WORK IN A TYPICAL CANADIAN WORKPLACE?

No matter how busy I may be, I always make it to a point to try to still communicate with my past clients just to see how they are doing after the "big move". One of the things I always ask is how are they coping up with the work, since I was told before that it is very different from the typical UAE workplace.

The following is the email I got from one of my clients who have successfully migrated to Canada last 2018.

Hello! Here are some of my observations and lessons learned on working in a typical Canadian workplace. I’ve only based these facts on my work experiences in a not-for-profit organization (corporate set-up). Rules may vary. It still depends on the type of work and organization.

1. No Emirati time. You can't be late for work. Not even a minute. Canadians are very prompt with their work schedule.

2. Teleworking. Some employers allow teleworking or to work from home. This happens most especially if there’s a bad weather condition. Canadians are very understanding and are more concerned about their employees’ safety.

3. Compressed work schedule. This is usually common with government jobs. A compressed work schedule allows an employee to work a traditional 35-40 hour workweek in less than the traditional number of workdays. Many compressed work schedule options may be negotiated. For example, a full-time employee scheduled for 40 hours per week could work four 10-hour days instead of five 8-hour days.

4. Overtime is not a habit. This is one of the things I’ve observed in a Canadian workplace, they prioritize work-life balance.

5. Full-time employee benefits. Health and Dental insurance, vision care, life insurance, and long-term disability. These are the benefits I have right now from my employer. Health & dental insurance can also be extended to a family member. My daughter receives both health and dental coverage from me and my husband. Most employers will also offer a retirement insurance plan which can be deducted from your salary.

6. Scent-free policy. The chemicals used in scented products can make some people sick, especially those with fragrance sensitivities, asthma, allergies, and other medical conditions. To help keep the air healthy for everyone, some workplaces are introducing a scent-free policy.

7. 12 Paid Holidays. Since I’ve started working here in Ontario, I usually enjoy these holidays: New Year’s Day, Easter Monday, Civic Holiday, Remembrance Day, Family Day, Victoria Day, Labour Day, Christmas Day, Good Friday, Canada Day, Thanksgiving Day and Boxing Day.

8. Workplace Ergonomics is well-practiced in Canada.

9. No-fault personal leave. This is a special type of leave benefit that allows an employee not to report to work during the following situations: take care of a family sick member, moving residences, emergency school visits, getting married, and taking children to medical appointments.

10. One year paid maternity/paternity leave benefit. 

**** North American Services Center (NASC) is a proud recipient of the GOLDEN AWARD under consulting category by the UAE Excellence Award Academy. We are one of the few ICCRC licensed immigration agencies in Middle East who is well known for providing honest and transparent services to all the skilled Canadian aspirants worldwide. Call us +971 2 650 9722 (Abu Dhabi Branch) or 800-NASCINTL (International Toll Free Number) and look for Famela for a quick phone assessment. You can also contact me directly at +971 55 802 1975.