Government workers involved in a hybrid workplace model for the past several years will be required to spend more time in the office.
The provincial government wants them there four days a week, starting on October 20th.
The goal is for them to transition to a full work week at the office in the new year.
“The return to a five days per week in-workplace standard represents the current workforce landscape in the province, and it reinforces our commitment to reflecting the people and businesses we serve across Ontario,” states Caroline Mulroney, President of the Treasury Board, in a release announcing the back-to-work plans.
Thousands of government workers began working from home during the pandemic, with some moving to the hybrid model that included three days in the office and two at home since 2022.
Ford also believes workers are more productive when on the job.
“I believe everyone’s more productive when they’re at work,” says Ford.
“How do you mentor someone over the phone? You can’t. You’ve got to look at them eye to eye, over the water cooler, wherever, train them, camaraderie.”
According to Mulroney, over half of the Ontario Public Service is already required to attend the workplace full-time.
