Alberta government employees are set to resume full-time, in-office work starting in February, according to an announcement made by the province on Friday. Since March 2022, Alberta Public Service (APS) staff have had the option to work remotely for up to two days a week under the province’s interim hybrid work policy. As of August, this arrangement applied to nearly 12,600 government employees, accounting for around 44% of the total workforce.
The decision to end the hybrid work policy was attributed to evolving circumstances and industry trends by the province in a news release. The move aligns with a similar directive issued by the Ontario government in August, requiring its employees to work in-office five days a week by January 5, 2026.
While the APS will revert to full-time office work, the government emphasized its commitment to flexibility through alternative policies such as flexible hours, modified work schedules, and work hour averaging arrangements to accommodate operational needs. Finance Minister Nate Horner’s office, responsible for overseeing the public workforce, expressed support for the decision, citing anticipated benefits in terms of collaboration, accountability, and service delivery for Albertans.
Despite the shift back to full-time office work, provisions for flexibility on a case-by-case basis will remain in place to address individual job requirements and worker situations. Opposition NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi raised concerns over the government’s approach, accusing the United Conservative Party of disregarding workers.
The news was welcomed by businesses in downtown Edmonton, where many government offices are situated. Local establishments, including restaurants and stores, have been grappling with reduced foot traffic since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. Quinn Phillips, Director of Marketing and Communications at the Edmonton Downtown Business Association, acknowledged that while some employees may not be thrilled about returning to the office full time, the increased presence of people during lunch hours is anticipated to benefit downtown businesses and create a more vibrant atmosphere.