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What Does It Really Cost to Hire an Employee in Canada in 2023?

cost to hire employee

From Salaries and Benefits to Onboarding and Training: A Comprehensive Guide to Navigating the Complex Landscape of Employee Hiring in Canada

Growing a business in Canada’s dynamic market is an exciting journey, and adding new employees is often a vital part of that growth. But before you post those job ads, it’s essential to understand the complete picture of what it truly costs to bring new staff on board.

Let’s break down the multifaceted process of hiring in Canada, looking beyond mere salaries and delving into the various expenses and considerations that make up the total cost.

Understanding the Hiring Landscape

Hiring a new employee isn’t just about putting a job posting online; it’s a complex procedure that requires careful thought and planning. Think of it like a strategic investment where each decision can have a long-term impact on your organization.

Understanding the many layers of costs involved in hiring—from advertising the position and conducting interviews to onboarding and training—can save you not only money but time and valuable resources as well. By evaluating these aspects in detail, you can align the hiring process with your business goals and ensure that the addition of new staff members is a successful and financially sound step for your company’s growth.

Employee Compensation: More Than Just Salaries

Basic Salary

In Canada, the minimum wage is set at $16.65 CAD per hour, but that’s just the starting point. Specialized roles requiring unique skills, experience, or qualifications can demand a higher base salary. It’s crucial to assess the industry standards, the complexity of the role, and the expertise needed to set a competitive salary that will attract the right candidates.

Employee Benefits

The modern employee looks beyond just the salary. Benefits such as pensions, maternity and paternity leave, sick leave, and even health insurance are now standard offerings that are essential for attracting top talent. These not only provide security and support to your employees but also reflect a caring and considerate company culture.

Taxes and Government Contributions

In Canada, employers must consider several mandatory contributions and taxes that are part of the overall cost of an employee. These include contributions to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and federal and provincial income tax withholdings.

Additionally, some provinces have other specific payroll-related taxes and health care levies. Compliance with these obligations is essential, and understanding how they apply to your employees’ salaries can have a significant impact on the total cost of hiring.

Working with a knowledgeable accounting firm, such as KKCPA, can help you navigate these complexities and ensure that your business remains compliant with Canadian tax laws.

Bonuses and Rewards

An enticing compensation package often includes performance incentives, such as signing bonuses or yearly performance bonuses. Signing bonuses can be an effective tool for attracting high-caliber professionals, while performance bonuses motivate employees to align their goals with the company’s success.

Structuring these incentives requires careful planning to ensure they motivate desired behaviors without becoming unsustainable financial burdens.

Recruitment Costs and Best Practices

When it comes to hiring new employees, the way you approach recruitment can make a significant difference in both the quality of candidates and the cost of the hiring process.

Utilizing Job Boards

Online job boards such as LinkedIn, SimplyHired, and Indeed have become essential tools for employers. These platforms provide a vast reach to potential candidates actively seeking new opportunities. They are user-friendly and can be cost-effective, with an average monthly cost of around $300 CAD per job posting.

Working with External Recruitment Agencies

Sometimes, finding the right fit requires professional assistance. External recruitment agencies specialize in matching candidates with suitable roles, saving you valuable time. However, this service comes at a price, with commissions typically ranging from 15% to 30% of the hired employee’s first-year salary.

Building an In-House Human Resources Team

Managing the recruitment process internally allows for more control and alignment with your company’s values and culture. An in-house HR team can work closely with other departments, tailoring the recruitment strategy to specific needs. Budgeting for this team is crucial, and you should expect to allocate around $53,130 CAD annually.

By strategically utilizing job boards, external recruitment agencies, and/or an in-house HR team, you can create a recruitment process that is not only effective but also aligns with your budget and organizational goals. Understanding the distinct advantages and costs of each approach enables you to choose the combination that best serves your company’s unique hiring needs.

Background Checks and Security

You’ll want to know more about your potential hires, which means background checks that cost between $20 and $100 CAD each. Some industries require specific security clearances, adding further expenses.

Onboarding and Training Costs

Bringing a new employee into an organization involves more than just selecting the right candidate; it also encompasses onboarding and training, both of which are essential yet time-consuming and costly aspects of hiring. Understanding these costs is crucial for budget planning and setting new hires up for success.

The Onboarding Process

Onboarding is the process of integrating a new employee into the organization and its culture. It involves various administrative tasks, introductions to team members, and familiarization with company policies and procedures.

This phase doesn’t generate immediate value for the business and requires investment in both time and resources. Depending on the complexity and duration of the onboarding process, it could translate into a temporary financial loss of $1,000 to $5,000 CAD. Effective onboarding, however, is crucial for employee retention and can lead to long-term gains in productivity and engagement.

Training Expenses

Training is an ongoing investment in your employees’ skills and capabilities. Extensive training may be necessary depending on the role, industry regulations, and specific responsibilities.

Costs can run from $500 to $1,438 CAD per person, including materials, external trainers, or even specialized courses. Beyond the monetary investment, training also involves time, with some roles requiring weeks of preparation before a new hire becomes fully productive.

Maximizing Value

Balancing costs with effectiveness in onboarding and training requires thoughtful planning. Investing in a well-designed onboarding program helps new hires adapt quickly, enhancing their performance and satisfaction. Similarly, targeted training aligned with business goals can increase efficiency, reduce errors, and foster innovation.

So, How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Employee in 2023?

With average hiring costs starting at $4,129 CAD for a typical position and soaring above $28,000 CAD for executive roles, being aware of the multiple layers of expenses is vital for a savvy business owner.

Hiring in Canada is a nuanced process, full of variables. By recognizing and understanding these factors, you’ll be better positioned to make informed, confident decisions in the hiring landscape.

Are you thinking about expanding your team and need expert guidance on hiring in Canada? At KKCPA, we’re here to assist businesses in Hamilton, Ontario with all their payroll and employee management needs. Reach out to us today, and let’s make your hiring process smooth, efficient, and aligned with your financial goals.