Under the new directive, all civil servants will need to work on-site three days weekly. The Quebec government justifies this shift as key to strengthening collaboration, speeding decisions, and boosting service efficiency.
Why Quebec is pushing the return
Officials cite rising absenteeism since 2022 among remote workers as a key concern. They also argue that in-person work improves cohesion and helps manage complex government tasks more effectively.
What remains uncertain
Still, many companies across Canada resist full returns to office. Some banks and firms already demand office presence multiple days per week yet others kept hybrid options. Studies suggest hybrid work may remain common, even under stricter rules.
Potential impacts
Workers accustomed to remote work worry about commute costs, work-life balance and loss of flexibility. Experts point out that forcing full-time office presence might harm employee morale and even reduce productivity.
Quebec public servants and unions may still negotiate details. Outside public sector, many employers may stick to hybrid models balancing demand for presence with employee preferences.
