A new study of Canadian workers shows shifting workplace priorities across generations, with younger employees placing stronger emphasis on purpose, sustainability, well-being, and job stability.

The Workplace Values Survey, commissioned by First Onsite Property Restoration, found Canadians increasingly want employers to make a positive impact. Six-in-10 respondents (61%) said it is important to work in an industry that helps people, a sentiment that is strongest amongst millennials (68%) and Gen Z (65%). Also, half of Canadians (52%) believe it is important to work for an organization focused on sustainability, rising to 58% among both millennials and Gen Z.

“Purpose is a talent magnet and the desire to make a positive impact remains a powerful motivator in the workforce, especially among younger generations,” said Leah Pearson, First Onsite senior director, human resources. “This is pushing industries like disaster restoration to level up and play a more direct role in supporting communities and safeguarding the environment.”

Access to health resources continues to be a challenge for many Canadians. More than one-in-five (22%) reported not having a primary healthcare provider, a number that climbs above 25% among Gen Z, millennials, and Gen X. This underscores the growing importance of employer-supported health benefits in filling critical gaps.

Job stability also weighs heavily on Canadians. Over one-third of respondents (35%) worried that geopolitical developments such as trade protectionism or economic nationalism could affect their employment. Concerns are highest among Gen Z (43%) and millennials (42%), compared to 24% of boomers.

Concerns about climate-related disruptions are affecting Canadians’ workplace anxiety. Overall, 19% of Canadians worry that climate events could impact their jobs. By generation, the concern is highest among millennials (26%) and Gen Z (23%), followed by Gen X (17%) and boomers (12%).

Meanwhile, nearly one-third of Gen Z workers (32%) plan to quit or change jobs in 2025, which is significantly higher than millennials (20%), Gen X (18%), and Boomers (5%), highlighting shifting career priorities among younger generations.

In honor of Rodent Awareness Week (Oct 19-25), Yelp released its Fall Infestation Index mapping out the most rodent-infested cities and sharing tips for getting rid of or preventing the unwanted guests. 

Yelp data showed a 21% spike in rodent-related searches nationwide, comparing August 2024 to July 2025. What’s fueling the surge? Experts point to a mix of warmer winters, growing urban density, and increased food delivery— creating ideal conditions for rodents to thrive. Typical rodent-control removal services run around $225; a few unwanted guests can multiply and lead to major headaches and bills down the road.

Yelp’s list of the top cities seeking pest prevention include:

1. Los Angeles
2. San Franciso
3. New York City
4. Chicago
5. Washington, D.C.
6. Seattle
7. Dallas
8. Austin, Texas
9. Phoenix
10. Boston
11. Portland, Oregon
12. Philadelphia
13. Miami
14. Denver
15. Las Vegas
16. Tampa, Florida
17. Atlanta
18. Minneapolis
19. Baltimore, Maryland
20. Honolulu

As the weather cools down and rodents seek warmth, they can squeeze through even the tiniest gaps to access buildings. A trained pro will carefully inspect the building and pinpoint any potential entry points, including vents, door and window frames, spaces around utility pipes or wires, and cracks in the foundation. Pros can determine the best way to secure these openings, using strong materials such as steel wool, caulk, or hardware cloth, which are tougher for rodents to chew through and last longer.

Rodents love dark, cluttered spaces, especially when they’re filled with nesting materials like cardboard, fabric, or old newspapers. Regularly inspect storage areas for signs of rodents like shredded material, gnaw marks, droppings, or odd smells. Decluttering also removes hiding spots and makes it easier to notice early signs of a problem. 

Open trash containers? If you have critter issues, be sure to sweep up crumbs, wipe counters, and promptly store all food in airtight containers. Take the trash out frequently and swap open or weak-lidded bins for containers with snug, chew-resistant lids.

Rodent prevention isn’t just a one-time task. Many pest control businesses on Yelp offer annual or seasonal service plans that include inspections and preventive treatments.