A National Study Supported by Provincial Municipal Associations Across Canada
About the Study
Municipalities across Canada are placing increasing emphasis on employee listening through surveys, pulse checks, focus groups, and other approaches.
At the same time, many are working through similar questions:
- Are we using the right approaches?
- Are we acting effectively on what we hear?
- How do we compare to other municipalities?
Until now, there has been no clear, shared answer.
The State of Employee Listening in Canadian Municipalities – 2026 is the first national study of its kind, focused specifically on local government.
The study is being conducted with the support of provincial municipal associations across Canada. It has also been tested with HR leaders from municipalities such as the City of New Westminster, BC, the Town of Innisfil, ON, and Rocky View County, AB to ensure it reflects the priorities and realities of the sector.
Why This Study Matters
Municipalities are operating in a more constrained environment:
- HR teams are stretched
- Service demands continue to grow
- Expectations from employees are increasing
Many organizations are collecting feedback.
Fewer are consistently able to:
- Turn feedback into action
- Show progress to employees
- Sustain momentum over time
This study provides a practical, sector-specific view of how municipalities are addressing these challenges.
Why Participate
Be Part of the First National Benchmark
This study will establish the first Canada-wide benchmark for employee listening in municipalities.
By participating, you are helping to:
- Define what current practice looks like across the sector
- Ensure the findings reflect real municipal experience
- Build a resource that municipalities can use going forward
See Where You Stand
Participants will be able to compare their approach with peers across Canada, including:
- How often municipalities are surveying employees
- What listening methods are being used
- How results are shared with leadership and staff
- How organizations are following through on feedback
This is one of the few opportunities to compare your approach using Canadian municipal data rather than private sector or international benchmarks.
Learn From Other Municipalities
This study highlights what municipalities are doing in practice, including:
- Approaches that are working well
- Common challenges across the sector
- Where organizations are struggling to follow through
Many municipalities are working on these issues independently. This study creates an opportunity to learn from each other in a structured and practical way.
Support Better Decisions
The findings can support discussions within your organization, including with:
- CAOs and executive teams
- Council
- HR and departmental leaders
At the same time, your participation helps ensure that other municipalities have access to better information to support their own decisions.
Contribute to the Sector
This is a shared effort.
By participating, you are helping:
- Build a clearer understanding of employee listening across Canada
- Support peer learning across municipalities
- Create a resource that others will rely on
Because this is an invite-only study, each response plays an important role in ensuring the findings are meaningful and representative.
What to Expect
- Time required: 10 to 15 minutes
- Confidential: Responses are combined and reported in aggregate
- Voluntary: You may stop at any time
- No follow-up: This is a research-only initiative
Who Should Participate
We are seeking input from those lead in-house employee listening, including:
- CAOs and City Managers
- HR / People & Culture leaders or other responsibility for employee feedback
What You Will Receive
All participants will receive:
- A summary report of findings across Canadian municipalities
- An invitation to a session reviewing key insights and practical takeaways
Questions
Sean Fitzpatrick
sfitzpatrick@talentmap.com
