Bell Canada's parent company BCE Inc. has terminated several employees following an internal investigation that uncovered fraudulent office attendance practices. The company's policy requires most corporate employees to work physically from the office three days per week.
Investigation reveals attendance fraud
According to a report in The Globe and Mail, BCE's investigation found that a number of workers were abusing the attendance policy. In multiple cases, corporate employees would swipe into the office to register their presence and then immediately leave. This practice was discovered at various offices across the country. The company confirmed that none of the terminated employees were unionized.
Specific cases of misconduct
One employee reportedly went to the office solely to use the gym before departing. Another worker clocked in just before midnight and again just after midnight to create the appearance of being present on two separate days. BCE stated that these actions violated the employee code of conduct, leading to their dismissal.
Broader context of return-to-office policies
The firings occur amid a broader push by companies and governments to strengthen return-to-office protocols and reduce reliance on hybrid work models that became common during the COVID-19 pandemic. In February, the federal government announced that all executives must work from the office starting in May, while public service employees will be required to work four days a week in the office beginning July 6.
In Ontario, the province announced last August that all public employees would return to the office full time in January, following a gradual transition. Similarly, the City of Toronto now requires eligible employees to work a minimum of three days per week at their office location, with the remaining days remote. Municipal division heads must work at least four days per week in the office. The city emphasizes that work arrangements remain flexible and reasonable based on operational needs.
