March 20 2019 - Canadian men still receive significantly higher pay rates than women, according to a study conducted by Leger Research commissioned by ADP Canada.
815 full- and part-time workers were surveyed online to gain insights into compensation in the Canadian job market.
Based on their self-reported figures, male respondents said they earned an average of $66,504 per year. This was 25.5% higher than the average reported figure of
$49,721 given by women respondents. The gap widened when additional rewards such as bonuses and profit sharing were taken into account, when men said their annual additional earnings averaged
$5,823 while women reported an average of $3,912 - 32.8% less.
The perception of pay equity also differs markedly between men and women. Almost 80% of male respondents believed that men and women were
compensated equally within their workplaces, but only 62% of women believed the same.
Despite the persistent wage gap (actual and perceived), Canadian employees continue to apply pressure for pay equality within their organizations.
to achieve parity. 45% said they would leave a current employer if they found out that a colleague of equal standing received preferential compensation based on gender.
According to Sooky Lee, General Manager, Human Resource Outsourcing, ADP Canada:
"It's alarming to see that in 2019 there remains an impactful difference in compensation for Canadian men and women.
"With women comprising nearly half of today's workforce and thriving in roles and responsibilities that match their male peers, organizations - and executive teams -
that do not make pay equity a business priority are risking the loss of their ability to attract top talent."
Sooky Lee added:
"Every Canadian organization understands the challenges associated with attracting and retaining top talent in what is becoming an increasingly tight labour
market - and those poised to succeed realize they cannot afford to expect a compensation discount for half of the talent pool available based on gender."
"Companies that build a culture around inclusion, diversity, and equality in all forms - especially compensation - stand to benefit greatly in the fight for talent."
