More than half (60 per cent) of employees said their employer is communicating a return-to-workplace strategy, according to a new survey by Maru Public Opinion for ADP Canada Co.

Of the working Canadians who said they’ve received a plan, more than half (53 per cent) are already back in the office. An additional 29 per cent expect to return by the end of 2021, while 10 per cent expect to return in January 2022 and nine per cent are unsure of a return date.

More than a third (40 per cent) of respondents said they’ll be expected to be in the office five days a week post-coronavirus pandemic, while 33 per cent said they’re expected in the office two-to-three days a week. A fifth (21 per cent) said they’ll have a completely flexible schedule with no set days in the office.

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“Originally a necessity driven by the realities of a global pandemic, many Canadian employers now realize employees may continue working remotely in some capacity, post-pandemic, without a negative impact to business operations,” said Ann Buckingham, executive human resources relationship manager with ADP Canada, in a press release.

“In fact, where there was initially resistance and unease, the data indicates employers have shifted their mindset when it comes to workplace structure. When organized strategically and supported by the right technology and HR support, embracing flexibility within the workplace can help improve employee engagement and retention and, ultimately, improve the bottom line.”

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