The Ford government has confirmed that all Ontario public service workers will be required to return to the office full time starting in the new year. Treasury Board President Caroline Mulroney said the decision reflects the current workplace standards across both public and private sectors.
“The return to a five days per week in-workplace standard represents the current workforce landscape in the province and reinforces our commitment to reflecting the people and businesses we serve,” Mulroney said. More than half of the Ontario Public Service’s 60,000 employees are already working on-site full time due to the nature of their jobs.
The transition will be phased in. Beginning October 20, 2025, employees currently working three days a week will increase to four. By January 5, 2026, all staff will be required in the office five days per week. Mulroney said the shift will help build “a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant Ontario.”
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown has already announced that city employees will follow the province’s lead and return to offices full time in January. Premier Doug Ford praised Brown’s decision and urged other municipalities to adopt similar policies, saying it would “revitalize our workplaces and downtowns across Ontario.”
Mississauga, however, will stick with its hybrid model. Mayor Carolyn Parrish confirmed the city will continue to allow employees to split time between home and the office, noting it has worked effectively for both staff and residents.
The move comes as debate continues over productivity and remote work. Studies have shown mixed results: one report suggested people are about 20 percent less productive at home, while a Stanford study found hybrid work had no negative impact on productivity and improved employee recruitment and retention.
Remote and hybrid work models became common during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many employers shifted operations to limit the spread of the virus.