Premier Doug Ford wants all Ontario civil servants back in the office five days a week by January. He argues we need to physically mentor staff and revitalize downtowns “to bring the public service closer to the people they serve”. Talk about a bold move… or a gamble.
So, should the rest of us saddle up and hit the GO train again, or are we better off calling a hybrid timeout?
1. Productivity: Lions, Tigers, or Just PJs?
You know the instinct: “Is remote work just Netflix with spreadsheets?” But data says otherwise.
- A whopping 61% of workers feel more productive from home, and 34% say they’re just as dialed in—only 5% say they’re less productive. Bospar
- Stanford’s studies continue to show hybrid work preserves productivity—and maybe even perks it up. Stanford
- Meanwhile, Ford’s call for mentorship “eye-to-eye” rings hollow when many employees report they’re getting work done—sometimes even putting in longer hours at home!
Bottom line? If your boss still thinks productivity = showing up, they might need a remote management course.
2. Collaboration & Creativity: Huddle Up or Log On?
Sure, face-to-face coffee chats can spark ideas… but forced office days don’t guarantee greatness either. In fact, studies show virtual brainstorming yields fewer creative ideas compared to real-life pair-ups. But that doesn’t mean remote can’t work—it just needs better intention.
If we make office days meaningful (team brainstorms, in-person pitching sessions, good snack breaks), then they’re worth the commute. Otherwise? It’s just traffic and parking stress.
3. Health & Happiness: Commute Stress vs. Couch Reboot
Remote work saved us commutes, saved our sanity. Many workers report better mental health and less stress at home.
- A whopping 96% say remote or hybrid setups are best for their mental health (thanks to sleep, flexible routines, and fewer traffic jams!). Toronto Today
On the flip side, loneliness and lack of structure can creep in if we don’t stay intentional, especially for those living solo. That’s where hybrid shines: the best of both worlds—home calm and office social energy.
4. The Environment: Save Gas, Save the Planet
Less commuting = fewer carbon emissions.
Studies say full-time remote workers can halve their carbon footprint, and even just 2–4 days a week from home can cut emissions significantly. It’s greener, quieter, and more future-friendly. Scientific American
Meanwhile, Ford’s idea to “revitalize downtowns” might help real estate investors—but does it help our planet or our wallets? That’s a harder sell.
5. Ontario Realities: Desk Shortage & Financial Headaches
ICYMI: Ontario Health atHome workers are scrambling—there simply isn’t enough office space to seat everyone. No assigned desks, lots of hot-desking chaos… and expanding means more taxpayer dollars. Unions are calling it fiscally irresponsible—and they’re not wrong. Canadian Union of Public Employees
Reddit Ontario is not holding back:
“When more people are ordered back, we all lose… The only people who win are real estate investors and highway developers.” Yahoo Finance
“There is no room to expand… we’re 1.3 people per desk on average already.” Reddit
6. Pushback, Hybrid Win: What Ontarians Really Think
- Many civic staff and citizens are pushing back—some even plotting mass sick days in protest. Toronto Today+1
- Cities like Kingston note they’ve only got tiny portions of staff fully remote, and any flexibility is strategic, not slack. Kingstonist
- Meanwhile, even with policy mandates rising, actual office attendance barely budges—hybrid remains the silent winner.
Conclusion: Hybrid — The Real “Just Right”
Let’s be honest, Ford’s headline grab for office days smells like a push to kickstart downtown businesses and maybe the commercial real estate market. But for us working folks? The evidence says hybrid is the sweet spot:
- Keeps productivity (maybe boosts it)
- Preserves boss visibility in key moments without micromanaging
- Offers work-life balance plus face-to-face camaraderie
- Cuts emissions… and stress
- Avoids costly real estate expansion
We deserve better than a “one-size-fits-all five-day mandate.” Instead, let’s craft hybrid models that let us choose, trust us to do our jobs, and bring us into the office when it really matters, brainstorming, mentoring, team days (with donuts would help).
Michael Kellett - Mym111 
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