A new survey from ADP Canada and Angus Reid reveals that many Canadian workers, especially those working remotely as a result of the pandemic, are paying a “COVID Tax” – the number of additional hours they are working since the start of the pandemic. While this “tax” is impacting 30 per cent of all employed Canadians surveyed, it is significantly higher for remote workers and has increased over the course of the pandemic. Nearly half (44%) of remote workers say they are logging more hours than pre-pandemic times. This figure has doubled over the past year (21% in April 2020 vs. 44% today).

Of the 44 percent of respondents reporting working longer hours, one in ten reported working an additional day or more (8+ hours) per week. Comparatively, only 15 per cent reported working fewer hours, while 38 per cent reported no change.  

Stress levels are also on the rise. According to self-reported figures, stress levels rose seven per cent over the past year, from 34 per cent in April 2020 to 41 per cent in April 2021. Additionally, the survey found that 46 per cent of remote workers surveyed were feeling less engaged with their work since the start of the pandemic.

Despite working longer hours, 42 per cent of Canadian remote workers are feeling more productive and over a third (37 per cent) have noticed an increase in the quality of their work, a significant year-over-year increase when compared to April of last year, when 19 per cent and 21 per cent of remote workers reported increased quality of work and productivity respectively, as a result of working from home.

The survey also revealed greater recognition for employees’ personal responsibilities, as boundaries between work and home have blurred. Over half (53%) of employed Canadians indicated their employer enables them to work a modified schedule when they must fulfill personal responsibilities during work hours.