Employees at Investissement Québec are expressing frustration over the agency's new policy requiring them to work from the office three days a week. The shift, announced earlier this month, has sparked discontent among staff who had grown accustomed to remote or hybrid arrangements since the pandemic.
Employee Concerns
Workers say the mandate undermines the flexibility that many had come to rely on for managing childcare, commuting costs, and personal well-being. One employee, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, 'It feels like a step backward. We proved we could work effectively from home, and now they're forcing us back without clear justification.'
Impact on Morale
Internal surveys suggest morale has dropped significantly since the announcement. Some employees are considering leaving the organization if the policy is not revised. 'People are upset. Many joined Investissement Québec because of its progressive work culture,' another source added.
Company Response
CEO Bicha Ngo defended the decision, emphasizing the value of in-person collaboration for team cohesion and innovation. 'We believe that being together in the office strengthens our culture and drives better outcomes for our clients,' Ngo said in a statement. However, she acknowledged the transition may be challenging and promised to monitor feedback.
Broader Context
The move aligns with a trend among some large employers in Quebec and across Canada to bring workers back to the office. However, it contrasts with many tech and financial firms that have adopted permanent hybrid models. The debate over remote work continues as organizations balance productivity with employee preferences.
