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This column is opinionated by Lynn Ward, has worked in the federal government for over 10 years. For more information on the CBC Opinions section, please see our FAQ.
Earlier this month, the Finance Committee announced Its proposed “one size fits all” hybrid work model would require civil servants to start working in offices at least two to three days a week. As an Ottawa-based civil servant for the past 10+ years, I have some views.
For knowledge workers, working from home has far more advantages than disadvantages. The pandemic has given us an opportunity to rethink outdated ways of working. Now that we’ve invested in tools and technology to facilitate remote work, does it really make sense to ignore advances and go back to the old ways? I think it’s time to go back to using it.”
The pandemic isn’t over, and public health measures seem to be driven by politics. Canada is facing a medical crisis and is in the middle of three infectious diseases (flu, RSV and COVID). It’s not safe to take public transportation or go to work in a crowded office space with poor ventilation and no masks. To be clear, I’m done with this pandemic! I wish it was over, but ignoring it won’t cure it.
It is nearly impossible for parents to arrange pre- or post-school day care to accommodate their commute times. Schools plan ahead and hire staff. They do not have the capacity to accommodate the large number of new children mid-year, especially in metropolitan areas. I don’t think you will get excited about
With the cost of living rising, are we suddenly forced to make expensive adjustments to our routines? Sudden child support, public transportation, gas, parking, wardrobe updates (let’s face it! Let’s say, many of us have put on a few pounds over the last few years). Isn’t the average working Canadian already facing enough economic pressure?
Why waste energy?
How will the mass return to office help climate change? Public transport is not accessible or reliable for everyone, and many people prefer to use their car. And why waste energy on unnecessary office space? I thought the Canadian government was trying to reduce emissions and carbon footprint.
Are governments falling for the sunk cost fallacy? Don’t you want the public to think you’re wasting your tax dollars on unnecessary office space? Could the government consider new strategies and instead look for win-win solutions?Here he has one idea. It’s about repurposing unused office space and turning it into affordable housing. Where is the innovative long-term thinking?
We had the opportunity to create the perfect working environment for ourselves at home. Virtual meetings can accommodate more people than face-to-face meeting rooms (which were always in short supply), improving accessibility and employee engagement. The office doesn’t even have a dedicated desk or cubicle. The government will have to spend more to supply new furniture and equipment.
Working from home has had a significant positive impact on diversity, equity and inclusion. As a member of an equity-seeking group, I have faced less harassment and microaggressions working remotely. Less attention to individual physical characteristics means more attention to actual work contributions.
Virtual meetings have leveled the playing field for employees. Too many managers seem to think that confidence equates to competence and that the loudest voice is the most relevant. Having to physically take turns speaking (e.g. mute/unmute, virtual hands-up) has resulted in fewer interruptions and talking to each other in meetings. More diversity of thought leads to better results.
Service is already suffering
we are exhausted. Flexible working arrangements and the ability to work from home have been saviors in reducing daily stressors. Mandating a return to work exacerbates the stress levels of civil servants. I fear that early retirements, staff with short-term disabilities, and increased absenteeism are inevitable. We are chronically understaffed and service levels are already declining because of this.
Note that civil servants are not looking for 100% remote work. There are some work activities that are better done face-to-face in the office. The problem with the proposed Treasury mandate is its lack of flexibility. A one-size-fits-all approach is shortsighted and ignorant of the differences and complexities of our work. For many of us, fewer distractions have made us more productive while working from home. Many of us are working longer hours because we don’t have to commute, and are reinvesting that time in serving Canadians.
Here’s a message for those who aren’t working in public services in Canada or who haven’t benefited from remote work during the pandemic. Or we can get angry at a system that creates unfavorable working conditions for many of us.
Stay calm, let me hear your voice, loud. Let’s work together and make Canada a great place to work for everyone!
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