Canadians Prioritize Major Events Over Primary Jobs in Gig Work Surge — Employment Hero Holdings Pty Ltd

Event summary

14% of Canadians would consider taking on temporary or gig work related to major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Among employed Canadians open to FIFA-related gig work, 67% would take time off their primary job, with 28% willing to take unpaid leave.
35% of those considering event-driven gig work seek a unique experience, while 25% need extra income for living expenses.
Survey conducted by Employment Hero from April 17th to April 21st, 2026, among 1,500 online adult Canadians.

The big picture

The surge in Canadians willing to take time off for gig opportunities tied to major events reflects a broader shift towards flexible, experience-driven work. This trend underscores the growing importance of balancing financial needs with personal experiences, particularly as significant global and national events converge. Employment Hero's data highlights how employers must proactively plan for workforce capacity during these periods to maintain operational momentum while supporting employee flexibility.

What we're watching

Workforce Flexibility: How employers will adapt to increased demand for time off during major events without disrupting business continuity.
Gig Economy Growth: Whether the trend of Canadians prioritizing event-driven gig work over primary jobs will sustain post-2026.
Employee Retention: The pace at which organizations adopt supportive policies for employee participation in major events to boost engagement and retention.