More than five years after COVID-19 propelled us into a world of remote work, the federal government is still trying to figure out whether bureaucrats should be forced back to the office full-time.
The current rule, in place since last year, requires federal public servants to work a minimum of three days a week in-office. For executives, the minimum is four.
But this week, Prime Minister Mark Carney said his government is close to announcing an updated plan to get employees to spend even more time in the office. The details will come into "sharper view" over the next several weeks, Carney said.
Should every public servant be forced to work at the office five days a week? Are remote workers actually more productive? Should schedules be flexible, depending on each employee’s unique situation?
The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada, the largest union representing federal workers, said the ultimate decision should be grounded in "evidence, service outcomes, and operational reality."
"When the government makes policies about optics instead of outcomes, it risks slowing service delivery, draining talent, and making it harder to recruit the next generation of professionals," said PIPSC president Sean O’Reilly, in a statement.
Alex Gallacher, the managing director of Engage HR, was a recent guest on our Closer Look podcast. He understands why many employers are pushing for a return to traditional in-office practices, but he said it’s important for employers to be flexible and open-minded in order to retain — and attract — the best people.
“I think what you’re seeing is a bit of a reversion to the mean: ‘We know this works, it’s worked for decades, let’s get there and let’s make it work,’” Gallacher told the podcast. “But I think remote work can also work equally well — and in some cases better even. What employers have to face is: ‘Am I going to be able to keep the best talent?’ Talent wins, right? You get the best talent, you’re going to win. So I think that’s the risk that you run: ‘How do I keep that talent?’”
You can watch the full episode HERE.
Hosted by Village Media’s Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, and produced by Derek Turner, Closer Look is a new daily podcast that goes way beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.
Fresh episodes drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. right in your local news feed — and on the show’s dedicated website: closerlookpodcast.ca. Of course, you can also find us wherever you get your favourite podcasts.
Want to be the first to know when a new episode lands? Sign up for our free nightly newsletter, which delivers the latest Closer Look straight to your email inbox. You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
Have something to say? Please reach out. Our email address is [email protected].
