A new study by Source Office Furniture reveals that Canadian employees are not opposed to returning to the office, but they demand better conditions. The research, conducted through Ask Polly, analyzed 31 questions and over seven million responses from Canadian employees nationwide, making it one of the largest studies on return-to-office attitudes in Canada.
Key Findings on Employee Sentiment
The study found that 97.5 per cent of employees say improved workspaces would make them more comfortable with return-to-office policies. Additionally, 92.9 per cent believe companies should create a comfortable, well-equipped space before requiring employees back. More than 83 per cent expressed some level of support for return-to-office policies, but support drops significantly for full-time mandates, with 69 per cent disagreeing with a five-day-a-week requirement.
Commuting is the top barrier, cited more often than work-life balance or workplace infrastructure. In Toronto and Vancouver, long and costly commutes make employees question the value of the trip, while in Ottawa, federal policies shape the conversation. Calgary, Halifax, and Winnipeg workers face expectations tied to traditional office cultures.
Employee Expectations for Office Upgrades
“Employees don’t just want a place to work, they want a reason to come in,” said Matt Stewart, President of Source Office Furniture. “Our study shows people are open to the office when it gives them something they cannot get at home – better collaboration, tools, comfort, and a workspace that supports their physical and mental wellbeing. Before mandating a full-time return, employers should be asking whether the office is actually ready for employees to come back.”
The study highlights that 98.2 per cent of respondents say the quality of the office environment influences their job decisions. Furthermore, 97.7 per cent believe better ergonomic setups would help them work more efficiently and feel less drained. A striking 98.5 per cent want better in-office tools and amenities, including reliable internet, ergonomic chairs, quiet spaces, and good coffee.
Implications for Employers
The findings suggest that resistance to return-to-office policies is less about location and more about the quality of the workspace. Employers who invest in office upgrades may find greater employee buy-in. The study indicates that Canadians see value in in-person work but expect the office to offer benefits that remote work cannot match.
With 69 per cent opposing full-time return, companies pushing for five-day weeks may face pushback unless they address commuting concerns and workplace conditions. The data underscores a growing disconnect between employer mandates and employee expectations, with a clear demand for evolved, comfortable, and well-equipped offices.
