‘Were you fired?’ Most say, ‘Nope!’

Progressive workplace. PHOTO: THINKSTOCK

Is honesty the best policy for professionals who have been fired from a job?

Canadian workers generally think not so much, according to the results of LinkedIn’s New Norms @Work study. Over half (56%) of respondents reported they wouldn’t be completely honest about being fired, with 62% of Millennials ages 25-34 least likely to be honest.

The global LinkedIn study illustrates how Canadian full-time working professionals shape their professional brands for the modern workplace, both online and on the job. It also highlights a light on Canadians’ changing work values, with 50% of respondents stating all companies should offer flexible work schedules.

“Yes” employees – those who do as they’re told and are more apt not to question authority – vary from generation to generation. Seventy per cent of Millennials 18-24 are most likely to characterize themselves this way.

Flexible schedules
Canadians want progressive workplaces that offer more than the standard benefits package. We’re over the 9-5 work day, the study said, with more than 50% of those surveyed stating all companies should offer flexible work schedules.

Maternity leave top-up was also a priority, particularly in Quebec, where almost 30% of respondents said the practice should be mandatory. Ontarians were less adamant, with only 17% in agreement.

A global comparison of the 19 participating countries finds that the value placed on one’s professional brand is similar from country to country with some differences across markets:

Globally, more than a quarter of professionals reported feeling motivated when their colleagues discuss workplace successes.

Across markets, 25% of all respondents agreed that women get judged more for what they wear at work.

More than 50% reported that they would challenge their boss by voicing their opinion and challenging ideas.

The LinkedIn study, completed in April with Censuswide, surveyed more than 15,000 full-time professionals around the world.

LinkedIn, the social network for professionals, has more than 347 million members.