Doug Ford’s Push for Full-Time Office Work Is Out of Step With Modern Realities

Ontario Premier Doug Ford is doubling down on his call for workers to return to the office full time. Speaking in Inglewood this week, he praised Ottawa’s recent decision to bring its municipal employees back five days a week and urged the federal government and other municipalities across Ontario to “follow suit.”

Ford argues that collaboration and mentorship happen best in person. Earlier this month, he announced that thousands of Ontario civil servants would be required to return to their offices by January. He’s not alone in this push — major banks and corporations like RBC, BMO, and Rogers have also been ramping up their in-office requirements.

But here’s the problem: this thinking feels stuck in the past.

Remote and hybrid work have proven, over the last few years, to be not just functional but often more productive. Countless studies and employee surveys show that flexible work arrangements increase job satisfaction, reduce commuting stress, and even improve retention. For many, the idea of a five-day office grind is no longer a measure of professionalism — it’s an unnecessary burden.

Yes, mentorship and collaboration are important. But those things don’t disappear when people work remotely. Tools for video conferencing, real-time document sharing, and virtual collaboration have evolved faster than policy-makers seem to realize. Hybrid models already strike a balance, giving teams the chance to meet in person while still respecting the efficiencies of remote work.

The federal government currently requires public servants to be in the office at least three days a week — a compromise that acknowledges both sides of the debate. Ford’s insistence on a blanket return to full-time office work risks alienating workers and creating morale issues at a time when retaining skilled staff should be a priority.

Instead of forcing everyone back into a pre-pandemic mold, leaders should be looking forward. Work has changed — and policies should reflect that reality, not try to erase it.