Most federal public servants are back in office four days per week as of Monday, but several of the largest departments and agencies won’t meet the government’s deadline for all employees. In February, the Treasury Board announced public service executives would be required on-site five days per week as of May 4, while most other public servants would be mandated back in-office four days per week on July 6. Treasury Board officials have since said return-to-office decisions were made knowing some departments “have more people than space,” and later told departments they could “stagger their implementation schedules” where space is lacking.
Six Departments Meet RTO-4 Deadline
As of July 6, six of the 20 largest federal organizations confirmed to the Ottawa Citizen they would be able to accommodate all eligible public servants in-office four days per week, a policy known as RTO-4. Those organizations are Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC); Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA); Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO); Indigenous Services Canada (ISC); Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED); and Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC).
Most of the other large federal departments are experiencing some form of space shortfall that will keep at least a portion of their workforce from immediately meeting the four-day in-office directive. Some face major hurdles, such as ongoing renovation projects, that will keep all or most of their workers at a reduced in-office presence for the time being.
Space Constraints Prompt Staggered Implementation
Mohammad Kamal, director of communications for Treasury Board President Shafqat Ali, said federal organizations are well-positioned to support increased on-site collaboration. “Deputy heads are responsible for implementing the updated on-site requirements within their organizations and, in certain cases, may stagger implementation schedules to match their workplace realities…” Kamal wrote. “We are approaching this process fairly and compassionately, in line with Canada’s obligations as an employer and while engaging with bargaining agents.”
The 20 largest federal government organizations, which together employ more than 200,000 public servants, are facing a range of real estate pressures, and several will be delaying RTO-4 for some employees until they can find the space. In a May 22 memo, the Department of National Defence’s top civilian official Christiane Fox said “space constraints” and the recognition of anticipated growth have led the department to “stagger” its four-day return-to-office plans.
Impact on Workforce and Operations
The delay affects a significant portion of the federal workforce. While six departments are fully compliant, others like National Defence, Global Affairs Canada, and the Canada Revenue Agency are among those needing more time. The Treasury Board has emphasized that deputy heads have the flexibility to adjust schedules based on their specific workplace realities, ensuring that the transition is managed effectively without disrupting essential services.
Public service unions have expressed concerns about the mandate, citing work-life balance and productivity. However, the government maintains that increased in-person collaboration is vital for innovation and team cohesion. As departments work to resolve space issues, employees in affected organizations will continue with a reduced in-office presence until further notice.
