Employment Law

Scotiabank Return-to-Office Mandate 2025: 4 Days a Week in September

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What’s Happening at Scotiabank?

Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank) is reportedly planning to require certain groups of employees to work in the office 4 days a week, starting in September.

“We know having our teams working together in-person has many benefits…and we are already seeing the positive impact this is having across the bank as we focus on executing on our strategy,” Clancy Zeifman, a spokesperson for the bank, told The Globe and Mail in an email.

“We will continue to build on this impact as we bring our teams onsite more often, with the goal of reaching four days onsite across the bank over time.”

In cases where staff are restricted by limited real estate, Scotiabank plans to gradually increase their in-office days once more space becomes available.

SEE ALSO
RBC to Require 4 Days of In-Office Work in Fall 2025
JPMorgan return-to-office mandate 2025: 5 days a week in March
• Return-to-office mandates are a ‘power grab’, study says


Can Scotiabank Force Staff to Return to the Office?

No. Scotiabank can’t require 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 Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia.


📺 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 bank 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 Scotiabank is legally able to do so, or if it violates your employment rights.

🚨 YOU HAVE RIGHTS!
For a broader understanding of your rights, check out our return-to-office resources for Ontario, Alberta, or British Columbia. You can also use our free Pocket Employment Lawyer to get real-time insights.

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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.

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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.

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