Starting in February, the Alberta government has announced that all its employees will be required to work full-time in the office, ending the interim hybrid work policy that allowed for up to two days of remote work per week since March 2022. Around 44% of the Alberta Public Service (APS) workforce, totaling nearly 12,600 employees, had been utilizing this flexibility as of August.
The decision to discontinue the hybrid work policy was attributed to evolving circumstances and industry trends by the province. This move follows a similar directive issued by the Ontario provincial government, mandating full-time, in-office work for its employees as of January 5, 2026.
While emphasizing the importance of collaboration, accountability, and service delivery for Albertans, Finance Minister Nate Horner’s office expressed support for the return to full-time office work. The government assured that alternative policies would still be available to employees to address operational needs, including flexible work arrangements and modified schedules.
Despite the government’s stance on enhancing workplace dynamics, Opposition NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi raised concerns about the impact on workers, criticizing the government for what he perceives as a lack of respect towards employees.
Businesses in downtown Edmonton, where many government offices are situated, are optimistic about the return to full-time office work. The increased presence of workers during daytime hours is expected to revitalize the area, benefitting local establishments that have faced challenges due to reduced foot traffic amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Quinn Phillips, from the Edmonton Downtown Business Association, highlighted the positive impact of having more individuals in the downtown core, foreseeing a boost in business activity and overall vibrancy.