Clarification on the common hybrid work model for federal public servants
This content is a message to Correctional Service Canada (CSC) staff from CSC's Commissioner.
Below you will find a message from the Treasury Board Secretariat regarding a common hybrid work model for the public service.
This represents new direction for the entire public service, and this approach will modify some of our current work arrangements here at CSC come the new year. These changes are not immediate. They come into effect on January 16, 2023 and we will have until March 31, 2023 for full implementation.
We are examining the directive in detail, and we will get back to you with additional information to support its implementation, including the expectations for executives and managers.
As you know, we have adopted a hybrid workplace and used the summer and fall to experiment. Using these lessons learned and consistent with this new direction, for CSC employees currently working from home most of the time, we will adopt a minimum of 3 days per week in the office, given our public safety mandate and the operational nature of our work. This also preserves flexibility to perform remote work, as functions permit.
Sharing this direction now gives employees and managers time to prepare for these changes. We encourage everyone to read the message below carefully and begin thinking about plans you need to put in place to transition to this new hybrid model in the new year, including childcare or other caregiving plans.
To learn more, I invite you to read the backgrounder issued by the Treasury Board Secretariat of Canada to federal public servants. The document contains answers to questions you may have as well as information on exceptions.
In the coming weeks, managers and employees will be equipped with more information to support this transition. We understand that people and situations are unique, and for a number of reasons, this transition may be challenging for some. If you are looking for additional support or resources, please contact your manager or consult the Employee Assistance Program. Managers are encouraged to assemble questions, and we will work to provide answers and share them with everyone.
Just as we had the ability to pivot to working differently at the beginning of the pandemic, we know that we can adjust to this transition and embrace the opportunities that working in this new hybrid model offers.
Thank you to all for your continued commitment and dedication.
Message from Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
Prior to the pandemic, most public servants worked almost exclusively from federal offices and worksites. Alternative work arrangements were rare and normally reserved for temporary, exceptional circumstances. COVID‑19 showed us that we could work differently, and we decided that we would neither return to a traditional model nor continue with the one imposed on us by the pandemic.
With the opportunity to reimagine our work, we chose a hybrid model. Following the message sent to deputies by the Clerk of the Privy Council in June 2022, departments and agencies have been experimenting to learn how this new way of working can best support our core purpose: serving Canadians.
During this time, we have rediscovered many of the in-person experiences essential to cohesive, collaborative, and high‑performing organizations. We have also seen the need for consistency in how hybrid work is applied so that it reflects the common values and shared commitment to serving Canadians that define and unite us. While departments and agencies are each unique, the experience of working in the public service or receiving services from it should be the same across the government and across the country. There needs to be fairness and equity across workplaces.
To ensure greater coherence across all organizations, the federal public service will adopt a common hybrid work model that will see employees work on site at least 2‑3 days each week or 40‑60% of their regular schedule. This new model will apply to all of the core public administration, and it is strongly recommended that separate agencies adopt a similar strategy. Alternative models may be warranted in a very limited set of circumstances. This direction will be provided to your heads of Human Resources.
Many organizations are already aligned with this new hybrid work model and their efforts should continue. Those organizations that are not should plan for a phased introduction beginning January 16, 2023, with full implementation by March 31, 2023.
As we move forward, employee safety remains paramount, and we will continue to follow guidance from Health Canada. At the same time, creating a work environment that is welcoming, diverse, accessible and inclusive continues to be a top priority. We know that we have additional work to do on this front so that all public servants are supported in their workplaces and careers.
Thank you for your support as we collectively move to this new way of working. We look forward to your ongoing collaboration as we continue to learn, adapt and find new opportunities within and across our organizations to deliver the best possible services to Canadians.
Graham Flack
Secretary, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
Christine Donoghue
Chief Human Resources Officer, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
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