Canadian trade magazine Quill & Quire conducted its first workplace survey and found many publishing employees felt financial hardship and more than 75% had experienced workplace burnout.
The survey was conducted in February, before the pandemic began shuttering workplaces and forcing layoffs, and a total of 172 people responded. The questions were intended to solicit reaction about a range of topics focused on quality of life and work.
Financial insecurity was a theme, with 41% of people responding saying they took on freelance work for additional money and nearly a quarter saying they did not earn enough at their jobs to satisfy financial needs. One complaint, particularly among employees at the assistant level, was that the obligation to attend after-hours events in support of authors was an imposition that prevented them from taking on additional work, but a failure to attend also meant they may be passed over for promotion due to the perception of a lack of commitment.
Asked about abusive behavior in the workplace, 37.5% replied that they had experienced verbal assault or bullying in the office. A survey last year by Q&Q on sexual harassment in the industry found 53% of respondents had experienced various forms of harassment.
Overall, respondents said the issues that caused them the greatest stress were, in order, a heavy workload, low salary, and high expectations.
