A new survey has revealed that Canadians are embracing a variety of once taboo work practices which are set to change how the workplace is perceived by the many millions who live and work in Canada.

Sleeping in the office, drinking alcohol and kissing co-workers were once frowned upon workplace activities. The survey by employment experts Careerbuilder.ca, reveals that such behaviours are now commonplace in Canadian offices everywhere.

Knowing how the working life of another culture and country operates is a major challenge for anyone who makes the decision to obtain a work visa and emigrate overseas.

Understanding Canadian working life for migrants it would appear now doesn’t mean knowing what is allowed in the workplace, but rather discovering if there is any behaviour that is not allowed.

Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources for CareerBuilder.ca says: “Things that are considered ‘taboo’ in the office have changed as workplace environments have evolved over the years. Employees need to be more aware of what is and is not OK in a professional setting to avoid negatively impacting their career.”

The survey reveals:
• 46% of Canadian workers have fallen asleep at work
• 35% of those surveyed have kissed a co-worker
• 31% have consumed an alcoholic drink while on the job
• 28% of Canadian workers have stolen from their office
• 26% have spread rumours about a co-worker

For anyone who has made the move to Canada adjusting how you behave from where you have been previous and adjusting to whole new work culture and lifestyle can take some time and effort. With these rather shocking statistics, it seems to work in Canada: anything goes.