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HR Council for the Voluntary & Non-profit Sector - Your partner in developing a sustainable and vibrant non-profit workforce.

Voluntary and Non-profit Labour Force Study

Conducted from January 2007 to June 2009, the Labour Force Study provided an evidence-based understanding of the nonprofit sector and its HR needs. In addition, the Study set the stage for a labour force strategy aimed at making sure the sector has access to the people and skills it needs. This project benefited from the wisdom and time brought to it by the steering committee that provided ongoing guidance as well as many other individuals who participated in dialogues and discussions along the way.

The first stage of the Study brought the sector’s labour force into focus. With insights from thought leaders, researchers and representatives from stakeholder organizations, the study identifies trends and demands that shape the sector’s need for people, skills and factors that affect the sector’s ability to find the people it needs.

 

HRC Labour Force Study Report 1

Toward a Labour Force Strategy for Canada's

Voluntary & Non-profit Sector
Report #1 - A framework for understanding the sector’s labour force

Executive Summary (PDF) Full Report (PDF)

 

 

The second stage was the first ever Canada-wide survey of sector employers and employees conducted on behalf of the HR Council by Ipsos Reid between December 2007 and February 2008. The survey of employers provided data about their experience with recruitment and retention and about the skills their organizations need now and in the coming years. The survey of employees provided a profile of the people who work in the sector and insights into what they like and don’t like about their jobs and their plans and expectations for the future.

 

Voluntary & Non-profit Sector Labour Force Study - Report #2

Toward a Labour Force Strategy for Canada's

Voluntary & Non-profit Sector
Report #2 - Findings from Canada-wide surveys of employers and employees

Executive Summary (PDF) Full Report (PDF)

Voluntary & Non-profit Sector Labour Force Study - Survey Poster

Toward a Labour Force Strategy for Canada's

Voluntary & Non-profit Sector
Selected findings from the HR Council's 2008 surveys of nonprofit employers and employees

Survey Results Poster (PDF)

Print versions of this poster are available upon request.

 

In the third stage, the steering committee developed recommendations to provide a starting point for addressing the sector’s labour force challenges. The recommendations are based on the research evidence and input from discussions with stakeholders. They call for:

  • Excellence in HR management to attract and develop the people organizations need

  • Intentional efforts for an inclusive workforce so the sector benefits from the full range of talent

  • Research to build understanding of the sector’s labour force and indicate best directions for change

  • Promoting the value of the work the sector does

  • Ensuring financial resources are in place to sustain the sector’s labour force

 

Labour Force Study - Report #3

Toward a Labour Force Strategy for Canada's

Voluntary & Non-profit Sector

Report #3 - Recommendations (PDF)

 
Mission Driven

Mission Driven


This document sets the context for a new strategic direction for our sector’s approach to its labour force. It is also an invitation to join the growing dialogue about the change our sector needs and how we can achieve it together.

 

For more information

For more information about the Labour Force Study, please contact:

Lee Rose
Communications Manager
613.244.8332 (extension 225)
lrose@hrcouncil.ca