PandemicThe need to work away from work The need to work ends with restrictions and mandates, and employers People return to face-to-face work.
Employers can withdraw temporary measures, but how the working environment has changed since COVID-19 took root in early 2020Flexible Arrangementshave proven to be possible, and Canadian experts describe how employees feel about returning to face-to-face work.
"Employees — at least in their hearts — are as productive as working from home "We have proved that," said Janet Candido. Toronto-based Human Resources (HR) Consultant.
"So there's pushback."
The agreement is an agreement
Nadia Zaman, an employment lawyer for Radnor Law in Markham, Ontario, she. And her colleague -a question at work in the last few months.
"Employers usually ask if an employee can work from home or have to return to the office unless agreed. You can decide, on the contrary, "she said.
With a few exceptions, most are limited to specific concerns about the legitimate needs or safety of the property.
But before the pandemic, Mr. Zaman said, "Employees do not have the right to choose where to work unless they already have that right."
Changing world of work
The length of time employees spend working from home is part of the broader context of change.
Toronto-based Wrecker&Associates Employment Attorney and Partner Matthew Fisher said Many employees "have alternatives, are flexible, and work from home." Yes. "
See | How will you return to work? :Nita Chinzer, Associate Professor of Human Resources and Business Consulting at the University of Guelph, Matthew Fisher, Wrecker's Employment Attorney Associates Law, Canada Tonight Join our host, Ginella Massa, to talk about how pandemics have changed the work culture and what the future of work will be.
He points out that some employees succeeded in the alternative arrangement when the employer asked them to return to their direct job. I expect to do it. Legal disagrees with claiming a constructive dismissal of if an employee feels forced to quit his job due to the requirements of .
In an interview with CBC's Canada Tonight, Fisher stated that employees could tell his boss: rice field. We will do everything we can, but we have a level of flexibility to work remotely.
Zaman is likely to happen as such arrangements continue, especially if the employer does not explicitly state that the alternative work arrangement is temporary. Said.
"One way to ensure that your employer is protecting yourself is that remote work is being continued only as an interim measure due to pandemics and sequelae, and that workers It is expected that he will return to the office at some point. "
Candido, founder and principal of the HR Consulting Group, advises clients to repeat this message "a couple of times a year" for exactly the reason Zaman outlined. Said.
Persuasion can help
Beyond the legal context, employers have a reason to communicate their plans to employees — change is coming If you just want to bring the fact that you are home, an expert said.
Winny Shen, an associate professor of organizational studies at the Schulich Business School at York University in Toronto, explains why organizations share with staff. 130} Recommended. Workplace requirements are changing.
She may say, "Organizations " I want everyone to go back to the office, "but the reason isn't very clear. They feel that they feel it is an urgent need, or perhaps someone who really thinks they need to go back to the office. can include employees who emphasize "some of the that your organization doesn't think of."
Turn to negotiations
If there is a split Between what the employee wants and what the employer wants, both sides Candido says it is necessary to consider what is possible in that situation. Return to Office:
Pandemic restrictions have been relaxed across Canada and companies are preparing to return their employees to the office. We are looking for flexible work arrangements while others are looking forward to re-entering the office.
"Don't draw a line Sand — just try to negotiate," Candido said. For example, employees can bring up the idea of making it easier to get back to work, and employers need to be careful to listen to them.
"Employers should not dismiss employee concerns and probably will not dismiss them if presented in a more collaborative manner."
According to experts Retaining staff is also a consideration when employers make long-term job arrangements.
David Kraichy, an assistant professor at the Edwards Business School at the University of Saskatchewan, said employers who continue to offer flexible work plans may find it easier to hire talent. I did.
Employees who do not agree with their current employer's reinstatement plan "may want to look elsewhere," said Kraichy.
