Internal documents obtained by the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) through access to information requests revealed that the government ignored its own evidence that telework boosts productivity. The government also analyzed trends and flexible work models – before implementing the controversial telework mandate that ignores the benefits of those trends and models. And despite anticipating significant challenges and backlash, the government dismissed these concerns in favour of pushing ahead with its rigid mandate it knew would fail.
A Refusal to Adapt
The documents confirm what the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC) and other unions have been asserting all along - the telework mandate is driven by politics, not productivity.
The government's hypocrisy is stunning. Just two years ago, they were touting telework as a key component of a modern and effective public service. One of their own key takeaways from a pilot project work was that “one size does not fit all”. Now, they have done a complete 180-degree turn – and as the access to information documents reveal – without any logic, data, or justification. It's an embarrassing refusal to adapt to the realities of today's workforce.
Control Without Leadership
If the government was truly concerned about consistency and alignment, they would have consulted with stakeholders and examined the wider range of flexible work models. Instead, they took a lazy and coercive approach that benefits no one and risks eroding trust and productivity.
By forcing employees back to the office for a set number of days, regardless of their job requirements or individual circumstances, the government is making a clear power play. It's a way for management to reassert control and monitor workers, even at the expense of efficiency, morale, and retention.
If the government was genuinely committed to a high-performing, modern public service, they would embrace the proven benefits of flexible telework arrangements. Instead, they're clinging to an outdated, command-and-control mentality that prioritizes presenteeism over results. This rigid approach fails to recognize the diverse needs and constraints of different departments, risking a repeat of past mistakes.
Phoenix Parallels
The government's reckless rollout of the return-to-office mandate bears eerie similarities to the Phoenix pay system fiasco. In both cases, they rushed to implement massive changes without proper analysis, consultation, or consideration of the consequences for employees.
And just like with Phoenix, the government is ignoring red flags and expert advice in its single-minded pursuit of their preferred option.
The TBS documents show they anticipated significant challenges and backlash, yet dismissed these concerns - a frighteningly familiar pattern.
The Phoenix debacle taught us that forcing a one-size-fits-all approach across the entire public service is a recipe for disaster. Departments have diverse needs and constraints that can't be ignored. By rigidly mandating RTO policies, the government is repeating the mistakes of the past.
Transparency and meaningful consultation could have prevented much of the damage caused by Phoenix. Yet once again, the government is making sweeping decisions that impact thousands of workers with minimal notice and no real dialogue. Have they learned nothing from previous failures?
Reverse the Mandate
It's time for the government to listen to the concerns of public servants and their unions. The RTO mandate must be reconsidered, and a more flexible, evidence-based approach should be adopted. Only then can we build a truly modern and effective public service that benefits both employees and the Canadians they serve.