The Ottawa city council is set to vote on a proposal regarding the enforcement of a full-time return-to-office directive for city employees. Coun. Jeff Leiper from Kichissippi Ward presented a motion on Wednesday that, if approved, would instruct the city manager to allow certain municipal workers to continue remote work on a part-time basis.
According to Leiper, many professional staff members have various alternatives for work locations, and the option to work from home provides them with the flexibility that makes employment with the City of Ottawa appealing.
Last August, Wendy Stephanson, the city manager, announced that all municipal employees would be mandated to work in the office five days a week starting in the upcoming year. This decision followed a directive from Premier Doug Ford requiring provincial government employees to return to full-time office work by January.
Stephenson explained in a memo that this new directive aimed to enhance the organizational culture of the municipality. She also mentioned that any exceptions to the policy would be determined through discussions between managers and staff, based on roles, operational necessities, and available workspace.
Currently, 85% of municipal workers are already working in-office, as per the city’s statement.
Opposition to the Mandate
Several councillors have expressed their disagreement with the compulsory full-time return-to-office policy.
Coun. Glen Gower from Stittsville highlighted issues such as insufficient support for working parents post-pandemic, unprepared transportation systems, and the benefits of hybrid work for employee well-being and satisfaction as reasons for opposing the city’s decision.
College Ward Coun. Laine Johnson mentioned a childcare waitlist, concerns about greenhouse gas emissions, and the lack of direct benefits for downtown businesses as arguments against the blanket return-to-office requirement.
Johnson emphasized that research has shown that office work does not necessarily boost efficiency or productivity, with team collaboration and leadership being more crucial regardless of the work location.
Coun. Jessica Bradley from Gloucester-Southgate supported Leiper’s motion, which will be deliberated by the council in a fortnight, according to Leiper.
