DM/CDS Message: Update on hybrid work model

January 12, 2023 - Defence Stories

Team,

Prior to the holidays, the Government of Canada announced the implementation of a common approach to hybrid work to ensure consistency across government and, ultimately, a more collaborative, cohesive federal public service.

Work continues across DND/CAF to finalize details on how we ensure a seamless transition to a hybrid work model that will see staff work on-site at least two-to-three days each week, or 40–60 per cent of their regular schedule. This will be a phased approach but at this time we expect Defence Team members who are not already in the workplace on a full- or part-time basis to return one day per week by the end of January. Chains of Command should endeavour to make the most of these opportunities and explore possibilities for improved teamwork and increased collaboration that were not always possible in a remote work environment.

Many of our Defence Team members, including the majority of those working outside the NCR, have been in the workplace since the start of the pandemic – these changes will not affect your current work posture. And while the government policy is specific to public service employees, there will be implications for some CAF members as we adopt this approach to hybrid work.

As details on the implementation of this model are ironed out, all Defence Team members are encouraged to undertake individual efforts to support increased workplace readiness across Defence, including the depersonalization of the workspace in cases where shared accommodations may be required.

Necessary tools, guidance, and resources will be provided to Chains of Command across Defence in the coming weeks to ensure everyone can work effectively in this formal hybrid environment.

We will also introduce the myWorkArrangements application on January 16 to allow managers and public service employees to develop flexible work arrangements. This application will centralize, increase accessibility and compliance with existing policies and guidelines on telework. Any agreements previously submitted through the Civilian Flexible Work Program form will no longer be valid as of January 30. This is an opportunity for you to have a conversation with your manager, particularly in the context of the Common Hybrid Work Model for the Federal Public Service. Further guidance on how to use this application will follow.

In the meantime, you can submit questions to the Ask Anything positional mailbox.

The health and safety of Defence Team members will remain a priority during this transition, and as we navigate through this process, Defence Team members can access a variety of resources and information to help maintain and improve our mental health and overall well-being.

Finally, work is underway to ensure that adequate levels of available services, such as food and beverage and parking facilities, are in place to accommodate increased demand as Defence Team members transition to hybrid workplace environments.

We look forward to seeing more of you return to the workplace over the coming weeks and the increased collaboration, team spirit and innovation that will undoubtedly result to ensure the continued strength, health, and capability of the Defence Team.

Bill Matthews
Deputy Minister of National Defence

General Wayne Eyre
Chief of the Defence Staff