English
TORONTO — Ontario Public Service employees will return to the office full time starting January 5, 2026. The province announced that over 60,000 workers must end remote work, reflecting the current workforce landscape.
Minister Caroline Mulroney, president of the Treasury Board, said the move supports a “more competitive, resilient, and self-reliant Ontario.” She emphasized the transition builds on previous workplace requirements and acknowledges the nature of government work.
Transition Timeline
Public servants currently working in the office three days a week will increase attendance to four days starting October 20. The full-time office requirement will take effect in January. Mulroney stated this gradual shift ensures employees adjust before remote work ends completely.
She added, “As the government delivers on our plan to protect Ontario, we will continue driving public service excellence for residents.”
Political and Economic Context
Premier Doug Ford told reporters that in-person work improves productivity, mentoring, and workplace camaraderie. He highlighted that businesses, particularly in downtown Toronto, suffered from reduced foot traffic during remote work policies.
Ford said, “How do you mentor someone over a phone? You can’t. You must engage eye-to-eye, over the water cooler, and train them effectively.”
Private Sector Influence
Several private companies have already increased office requirements. Rogers Communications requires corporate staff to work four days in October and five days from February. Similarly, TD, RBC, and Scotiabank mandate a four-day in-office schedule starting in September.
However, Ford emphasized that the province’s decision did not follow the private sector. “Everyone needs to go back to work. It is simply time,” he said. “Our public service is excellent, and I appreciate their efforts every day.”
Historical Context
Ontario public servants first returned to office three days a week in 2022, after extensive remote work following the COVID-19 pandemic. Federal employees similarly returned to a three-day in-office schedule last year.
The Ontario Public Service return office mandate underscores the province’s focus on workforce resilience and economic recovery. The government signals that full-time in-person work strengthens public service effectiveness and benefits local economies.
