Department of National Defence Guidelines for Hybrid Work

In May 2024, this direction was updated to indicate that, effective September 9, 2024, all public service employees must work on-site a minimum of three days a week and executives are expected to be present at the worksite four days a week. At the Department of National Defence (DND), executives are defined as an employee appointed or deployed or an employee acting in one of the following groups and levels:

• Executive (EX) Group, levels 01 to 05
• Defence Scientific Service (DS) Group, levels 7A, 7B, and 8
• Law Management (LC) Group, levels 01 to 04

The primary purpose of the direction is to establish a consistent minimum requirement for all public servants to come to their designated worksite three days per week. The 60% requirement is an alternative that only applies when certain operational requirements or job types (e.g., part- time workers, students) are such that a three days per week minimum is not possible. Under this model, the employer has the exclusive management right to designate the location of work and to require employees to report to their designated workplace. Managers should plan and manage their operations in accordance with the primary purpose of the direction, which is establishing a minimum on-site presence of three days per week. Many at DND are already doing so or more to meet operational requirements and ensure collaboration and engagement among colleagues.

The Common Hybrid Work Model applies to all federal public service employees in the core public administration who are working in a hybrid model.  Employees are expected to uphold the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector and acknowledge the obligations under the Directive on Conflict of Interest. These are conditions of employment designed to maintain public trust and confidence in the impartiality and integrity of the DND.

Hybrid by Design

A hybrid work environment enables the Defence Team to have an agile, inclusive and responsive workforce that is ready to deliver on DND and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF)’s mandate. Tools and resources are available to support a safe, healthy and productive space for a Common Hybrid Work Model.

Many teams at DND have operational requirements that prohibit a hybrid work posture. This guide provides information to ensure compliance with applicable Treasury Board and DND policy, regardless of their work posture, and offers guidance and best practices for those looking to implement flexible or hybrid approaches in their work.

It also provides direction and resources for L1s, managers and employees to ensure they have the equipment, accommodations, and information necessary to have a meaningful and productive hybrid experience. Topics covered include: compliance and reporting requirements, scheduling in-office days, and the equipment and IT infrastructure available to support a hybrid work model. It also provides guidance to L1s on key issues such as office space allocation and personal storage.

The guide is centered around three themes:

• People
• Digital
• Workplace