Federal public servants face a new requirement to work in the office four days a week starting July 6, with executives mandated to return five days weekly from May 4. Experts and unions warn that insufficient office space, poor planning, and strained transit systems threaten the policy’s success.

New Mandate Details

Currently, most federal employees report to the office three days a week, while executives attend four days. The Treasury Board of Canada announced the stricter rules on Thursday, aiming to strengthen the public service through closer collaboration. Officials pledge to partner with unions for smooth implementation.

Real Estate Challenges in National Capital Region

Shawn S. Hamilton, principal at Proveras Commercial Realty, stresses the need for a clear strategy to house returning workers. “You can’t just bring people back for the sake of bringing them back. You’ve got to bring them back and locate them with their teams and create opportunities for collaboration,” Hamilton says.

Hamilton, experienced with public and private sector clients, reports no plans to expand office space amid planned workforce reductions. “We’re questioning the math of where people will go,” he adds. The directive clashes with efforts to sell underused properties, projecting uncertainty for Ottawa’s commercial real estate.

Public Services and Procurement Canada states it will swiftly address space shortages. “In locations where sufficient space is not available, we will work to identify potential solutions as quickly as possible,” the department notes. Hamilton acknowledges the sector’s quick response but flags July as an extremely tight deadline.

Union Concerns Over Overcrowding and Conditions

Vivian Funk, vice-president of health and safety at the Association of Justice Counsel, describes daily struggles. “Our offices are overcrowded. We’re spending time having to search for desks in the morning,” she says. Workers often commute only to join video calls, while buildings suffer from mould, pests, and faulty heating—issues like mouse droppings and parka-wearing indoors persist, even in northern facilities.

Funk warns of burnout and low morale without more space. “It’s not good for productivity. It’s not good for morale,” she states.

Alex Silas, national executive vice-president of the Public Service Alliance of Canada, highlights the financial irony. “At a time where the Carney government is pinching every penny and trying to find savings, this move makes absolutely no sense,” Silas argues.

Nathan Prier, president of the Canadian Association of Professional Employees, demands clarity. “Who are you serving with this decision? It’s time for that answer to really be given to Canadians and to all federal public servants out there,” Prier says.

Transit and Parking Pressures Mount

Tyler Chamberlin, associate professor at the University of Ottawa’s Telfer School of Management, views the mandate as an “opportunistic move” during job cuts and crises. He predicts delays due to space shortages and Ottawa’s transit limitations, calling it potentially a “bit of a fudge.”

Pierre Barrieau, transportation planning expert at Gris Orange Consultant Inc., anticipates overload. “As people will go back to work, it’s going to put incredible pressure on the network,” he says, especially on Gatineau’s underfunded Société de transport de l’Outaouais (STO).

The STO reports full resource deployment, noting uncertainty on road impacts. OC Transpo assures the government of its efforts to support the July rollout.

Outlook on Full Return

Chamberlin doubts a push to five days for all, given constraints. “This is probably as far as they go,” he predicts.