Evolving workplaces: The decline of remote work, rise of hybrid in Canada

Decline in remote work across Canada

The workplace landscape in Canada has seen significant changes, particularly in the prevalence of remote work. As of May 2024, only 18.7% of Canadians worked primarily from home, a noticeable drop from the 24.3% recorded in May 2021, according to a new report by Statistics Canada. While the overall trend shows a decline, remote work remains more common than before the pandemic. For instance, in 2016, just 7.1% of workers were remote.

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However, the shift away from remote work is not uniform across the country:

• Ontario continues to lead with 21.7% of its workforce working from home.
• Saskatchewan has the lowest rate at 10.1%.
• Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island have experienced an increase in remote work.

The return to commuting

As remote work declines, more Canadians are returning to traditional commuting:

• Increase in Commuters: In May 2024, 16.5 million Canadians were commuting, 585,000 more than in 2023.
• Longer Commutes: The average commute time is now 26.4 minutes, a slight increase from the previous high of 26.3 minutes in 2016.

With more people back on the road, commute times are getting longer. Nearly 10% of commuters now spend over an hour traveling to work, a trend that’s most noticeable in certain regions. Oshawa, Ontario, tops the list, where 20% of commuters travel an hour or more. Toronto, Barrie, and Hamilton also have high percentages of long commuters.

Public transit usage: A slow recovery

Public transit usage, which plummeted during the pandemic, is slowly recovering but hasn’t returned to pre-pandemic levels. In 2021, only 7.8% of commuters used public transit, the lowest figure on record. By 2024, that number had climbed to 11.4%, but it remains below the 12.6% seen in 2016.

• Declines in Key Areas: Ottawa–Gatineau and Winnipeg have seen the most significant drops in transit usage.
• Positive Trends: Some regions, like Kitchener–Cambridge–Waterloo and Hamilton, are seeing an increase in public transit use, surpassing their pre-pandemic levels.

Hybrid work: The new normal

As the workplace continues to evolve post-pandemic, hybrid work models have become the dominant trend. According to a study by Zoom, 64% of workplaces are now implementing some form of hybrid model. This trend is not just a compromise between remote and in-office work; it represents a new standard that many organizations are adopting to meet their specific needs.

Hybrid work can take many forms:

• Set Days or Times: Employees may have designated days to work remotely or in the office.
• Outcome-Based Work: Some companies allow remote work based on specific performance criteria or project deadlines.

The preference for hybrid work also varies geographically. North American organizations tend to favor in-office setups more than others, while the Asia Pacific (APAC) region leans more towards remote work. Western Europe, on the other hand, has embraced hybrid models the most.

Drivers of change in workplace models

The shift towards hybrid and evolving workplace models is primarily driven by the need to increase productivity. According to the Zoom study:

• 84% of organization leaders cited productivity as the main reason for changing their workplace models.
• 63% of leaders aim to recruit more talent through these changes.
• Fewer than half of leaders focus on improving company culture.

As Canada’s workforce continues to adapt post-pandemic, the decline in remote work is giving way to hybrid models that balance in-office and remote work. These evolving workplace trends reflect the dynamic nature of work in the modern era, driven by productivity, talent acquisition, and the ongoing transformation of company culture. The workplace is still in flux, and the future will likely see further adjustments as organizations refine their approaches to meet the needs of both their employees and their business objectives.

Is your employer ending remote work?

Depending on your circumstances, your employer may not be able to force you to transition from remote work to a hybrid model or a full return to the workplace. Read our comprehensive guides for non-unionized employees in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia to understand your rights when asked to return to the office—and why you may be owed a full severance package.

And remember, if you are fired or lose your job for any reason, contact the experienced employment lawyers at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP. Our lawyers in Ontario, Alberta, and B.C. have successfully represented tens of thousands of non-unionized individuals.

In addition to severance package negotiations, we can assist you on a broad range of employment matters, including:

If you are a non-unionized employee who needs help with a workplace issue, contact us or call 1-855-821-5900 to get the advice you need and the compensation you deserve.