Post-pandemic work schedules will be flexible. That’s the word from ADP Canada and Maru Public Opinion. Their new survey says employees are reporting that employers’ return-to-workplace plans offer flexibility, with most employers shying away from 5 days in the office per week.
Many employers plan to include both in-office and remote work options in their strategies. Of the working Canadians who received a return-to-work plan, 53 per cent are already back in the office. 29 per cent expect to return by the end of the year, with the remainder either expecting to return in January or unsure of a return date.
40% report they are expected to be in the workplace five days a week. The rest say they are being asked to come into the office on a part-time basis or have been offered a flexible schedule. Thirty-three per cent are expected in the office 2 to 3 days per week. Twenty-one per cent report they will have a completely flexible schedule with no set days in the office.
“Originally a necessity driven by the realities of a global pandemic, many Canadian employers now realize employees may continue working remotely in some capacity, post-pandemic, without a negative impact to business operations,” said Ann Buckingham, Executive HR Relationship Manager with ADP Canada. “In fact, where there was initially resistance and unease, the data indicates employers have shifted their mindset when it comes to workplace structure. When organized strategically and supported by the right technology and HR support, embracing flexibility within the workplace can help improve employee engagement and retention, and ultimately, improve the bottom line.”
Survey Methodology From August 6th to August 10th 2021 an online survey of 1,290 Canadians working full-time who are Maru Voice Canada panelists was executed by Maru/Blue. For comparison purposes, a probability 0 10 20 30 40 50 Five days a week 2 – 3 days a week 1 day a week Flexible schedule Unsure Office Expectations: Days Per Week Percentage sample of this size has an estimated margin of error (which measures sampling variability) of +/- 2.6%, 19 times out of 20. Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding.
