It was one of the articles that defined Fast Company magazine. Free Agent Nation, published in December 1997 and written by former White House speechwriter Daniel H. Pink, inspired readers around the world to live the dream of self-employment. “Free agents quickly realized that in the traditional world, they were silently accepting an architecture of work customs and social mores that should have crumbled long ago under the weight of its own absurdity,” he wrote. “From infighting and office politics to bosses pitting employees against one another to colleagues who don’t pull their weight, most workplaces are a study in dysfunction. Most people do want to work; they don’t want to put up with brain-dead distractions. Much of what happens inside companies turns out to be about . . . nothing.”

Pink’s critique of employee loyalty fit neatly into the late-1990s confidence booming around the world. Turning your spare bedroom into a home office is a lot easier to do when the contracts are plentiful. That isn’t always the case these days, and so it’s not surprising that a new study finds professionals around the world craving stable employment. Canadians are no different.

Eighty per cent of Canadian workers say they want to “go steady” with their employer for the long-term. Forty-three per cent say they would like to work for just one company throughout their career; 34% say their preference is no more than two or three employers.

But there’s more to this research, conducted by consulting firm Towers Watson, as consultant Keri Alletson explained to me on Friday.

“People want career monogamy,” says Alletson. “People are saying that stability and security in my career is important to me. I am prepared to stay with one, two or three employers over the course of my career. That is what I would prefer, as long as the company is prepared to look at my skill set and give me opportunities to move around, learn and grow.”

This need to provide opportunity will grow in importance as the recovery strengthens. As I’ve written before, employers are more focused on talent attraction and retention than ever before. Because Canada’s workforce is aging – and because that will result in a labour shortage in many industries – employers will have to do more to win the loyalty so many Canadians say they’re ready to offer.

Alletson says you have reason for confidence. “If you’re not satisfied with your current position, think about what you want to achieve over your career and then figure out what you bring to the table and where your knowledge or experience gaps might be. Then go and have a good heart-to-heart with your manager – if you can do that – or a mentor within your organization. Say ‘look, I’m having a hard time seeing a long-term career here.’ Have a discussion about what options might be available.

“If your organization isn’t providing you with opportunities or access to training, then maybe it’s time to rethink your career,” says Alletson.