Ontario Public Servants to Resume In-Office Work Full Time in 2026

What’s Happening?

The Ontario government is requiring a full-time return to in-office work for public servants — 5 days a week — effective Jan. 5, 2026.

Before doing away with its hybrid model, the province reportedly plans to ramp up in-office work to 4 days a week on Oct. 20.

The update comes as major employers — including 4 of Canada’s big banks — want staff in the office most, if not all, of the time.

• SEE ALSO: “Arbitrary Decisions”: Employers Criticized for Increasing In-Office Work

Return-to-Office Rights for Non-Union Staff

The Ontario government can’t require non-unionized employees to return to the office if they’ve been working remotely for an extended period of time and that arrangement has become permanent.

This includes individuals working full-time, part-time, or hourly in the province.

📺 WATCH: Everything You Need to Know About Return-to-Office Mandates in Canada

If remote work has become a consistent and accepted part of your job, a demand to return to the office may be considered a constructive dismissal — a significant change to your employment that could entitle you to full severance (up to 24 months’ pay).

In the event that the provincial government is attempting to alter the current amount of time you have to work from the office, if at all, contact an experienced employment lawyer in Toronto at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

Our team can determine if they’re legally able to do so, or if it violates your employment rights.

Workplace Issue? Contact Us

Since 2007, we’ve helped tens of thousands of non-unionized individuals in Ontario resolve their workplace issues.

Call Samfiru Tumarkin LLP today at 1-855-821-5900 or request a consultation online.

Disclaimer: The materials above are provided as general information about the rights of non-unionized employees in Canada. It is not specific to any one company and SHOULD NOT be read as suggesting any improper conduct on the part of any specific employer, or a relationship between Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and a specific employer.