Upskilling and Flexibility Take Center Stage
As the workplace continues to evolve, employers are placing a renewed emphasis on employee upskilling and well-being to maintain competitiveness and appeal to top talent. Speaking at the 2025 Future of Work Summit, Aastha Juneja, head of compensation and benefits at Corus Entertainment, highlighted the growing importance of flexible work arrangements and robust training programs.
Juneja noted that flexibility is no longer a perk but an expectation among job seekers. “When we conduct interviews, the most commonly asked questions revolve around flexibility, training, development, and career growth,” she explained. “Strong practices in these areas can significantly differentiate an employer in today’s talent market.”
Survey Reveals Top HR Priorities
The summit discussed findings from Benefits Canada’s fourth annual Future of Work Survey, which revealed the top human resources priorities for 2025. Leading the list was improving skills and training at 69%, followed by talent attraction and retention (63%), and employee health and well-being (57%).
Flexible working arrangements have seen a notable rise, with 59% of employers implementing such policies in 2025, a significant jump from 35% in 2024. Corus Entertainment, for instance, suspends in-office requirements for non-essential roles during the summer and allows employees to work remotely from anywhere in the world for two months each year.
Addressing Talent Retention Challenges
Talent attraction and retention remain key concerns. According to the survey, one-third (33%) of employers cited this as their primary issue, while 63% ranked it in their top three. A striking 75% of respondents acknowledged increasing difficulty in attracting and keeping employees.
To combat these challenges, 56% of employers are boosting employee training and skills development, and 48% are raising investments in training initiatives. These efforts aim to not only enhance employee capabilities but also improve engagement and job satisfaction.
Industry-Specific Training Needs
Bryan Crisp, HR operations manager at Niagara Casinos, emphasized the necessity of training in the gaming industry, which is heavily regulated—second only to nuclear power. “Mandatory training around anti-money laundering, responsible gaming, and alcohol service is just the start,” he said. “Training is a fundamental and strategic component of our business.”
Niagara Casinos also focuses on internal talent development through promotions and job transfers. “We prioritize filling roles internally, which helps with career progression and engagement,” Crisp added. However, he acknowledged the risk of stagnation in repetitive roles and stressed the importance of involving employees in resource programs and maintaining open, supportive communication.
Competitive Compensation and Benefits
Employers are also leveraging targeted compensation strategies to retain key talent. 51% of organizations reported using selective salary increases, signing bonuses, or retention bonuses, up from 43% in 2023 and 47% in 2024.
Additionally, 48% of employers have enhanced their health benefits, compared to 33% in the previous year. Improvements in pension and financial offerings were reported by 44% of employers (up from 27% in 2024), while 40% upgraded vacation or time-off policies, a notable rise from 28% last year.
Looking Ahead to the Future of Work
The 2025 Future of Work Summit underscored the critical role of proactive human resources strategies in navigating the evolving employment landscape. From flexible work models to strategic upskilling and enhanced benefits, employers are investing in innovative approaches to meet the expectations of a modern workforce.
As organizations continue to adapt, the focus on employee growth, well-being, and engagement will remain central to building resilient and competitive workplaces in the years ahead.
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