Work in Canada isn’t what it was before 2020 — and this year’s statistics show the transformation is real, complex, and still unfolding.
Hybrid Is the New Normal, But It’s Evolving
Despite headlines about “return to office,” hybrid work remains widespread. Surveys show that about 53% of employers offer hybrid work to most staff, and another third extend it to everyone regardless of role. (Robert Half)
Fully Remote Jobs Are Less Common Than Hybrid
Remote work peaked early in the pandemic but now represents a smaller share of new job postings — around 11% fully remote versus about 28% hybrid — indicating flexibility has settled into hybrid patterns rather than all-remote companies dominating. (Robert Half)
In-Office Days Are Slowly Creeping Back
Though hybrid work persists, Statistics Canada data shows the share of Canadians primarily working from home has edged downward from the pandemic high, while more people are commuting at least part of the week. (bnnbloomberg.ca)
Many Canadians Still Prefer Flexibility
Surveys show a strong preference among workers: in one poll, about 59% said they’d rather spend most of their workweek at home, and this jumps to over 75% among those who already experienced it. (Human Resources Director)
Corporate Return-to-Office Pushes Are Real
Some major employers, including big banks, have recently formalized return-to-office policies — for example, requiring four days onsite — highlighting a tension between employee preference and organizational strategy. (Reuters)
Worker Sentiment Isn’t Quiet
Online discussions reflect frustration when hybrid flexibility seems to slip away — workers report mandates creeping up from two to three to four days a week, often without improved conditions or commutes. (Reddit)
Flexibility Still Matters Beyond Hybrid
The desire for autonomy isn’t just about remote work — it’s about when and how tasks get done. One survey found a majority want some blend of home-based work and office time, with only a small fraction preferring full in-office work. (Robert Half)
Public Sector Policies Are Shifting Too
Even government roles that once embraced telework are exploring tighter in-office expectations, indicating this shift isn’t limited to the private sector and is reshaping how Canadians think about “workplace.” (Reddit)
Work culture in Canada hasn’t snapped back to pre-pandemic norms — it’s finding a new identity. Hybrid work isn’t disappearing, but the balance between remote freedom and office collaboration is actively being negotiated by employers and workers alike.