Home vs. Office: Most Canadians Prefer Remote Work, July Survey Finds

A new survey by the Angus Reid Institute found that 3-in-5 Canadians (59%) would prefer to work remotely most of the time, instead of in the office.

More than 1,900 members of the Angus Reid Forum participated in the online survey, conducted between July 18–22.

Key Survey Highlights

• 72% of Canadians who were asked to return to the office followed their employer’s mandate. However 27% of respondents claim they’re “very upset” about the decision.
• 57% of Canadians younger than 65 believe workers are just as, if not more, productive at home compared to the office.
• 5% of Canadians resigned when their employer asked them to return to the office.

The findings come as major employers, including TD Bank, Royal Bank of Canada, Scotiabank, Starbucks, and Ford, plan to ramp up in-office work in the fall.

SEE ALSO
• Employment Lawyer Discusses Return-to-Office Revival with CBC News
• “Arbitrary Decisions”: Companies Criticized for Increasing In-Office Work
• Return-to-Office Mandates a “Power Grab”, Study Claims

Can I be Forced to Return to the Office?

Non-unionized employees in Canada can’t be forced 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 Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia (BC).

📺 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 your company is attempting to alter the current amount of time you have to work from the office, if at all, contact an experienced employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

We can determine if your employer is legally able to do this, or if it violates your employment rights.

Workplace Issue? Contact Us

Since 2007, the experienced employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP has helped tens of thousands of non-unionized individuals resolve their workplace issues.

Whether you’re in Ontario, Alberta, or BC, our lawyers can review your situation, enforce your rights, and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

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.