Alberta government employees are set to transition back to full-time, in-office work starting in February, as announced by the province on Friday. Since March 2022, Alberta Public Service (APS) staff have had the option to work remotely for up to two days per week under the province’s temporary hybrid work policy. This initiative has encompassed nearly 12,600 government employees, constituting around 44% of the workforce as of August.
The decision to discontinue the interim hybrid work policy was attributed to evolving circumstances and industry trends, according to a news release from the province. The government referenced a similar directive introduced by the Ontario provincial government in August, mandating its employees to work in-office five days a week as of January 5, 2026.
Despite this shift, the Alberta Public Service (APS) remains dedicated to flexibility through alternative policies that employees can still utilize based on operational requirements. These include options such as hours of work averaging arrangements, flexible hours arrangements, and modified work schedules, as highlighted in the news release.
Finance Minister Nate Horner’s office, responsible for overseeing the public workforce, indicated that while it did not play a direct role in the decision, it fully supports the move, anticipating that full-time office work will enhance collaboration, accountability, and service provision for Albertans. The hybrid work model implemented during the pandemic was always intended as a temporary measure to ensure continuity during unprecedented circumstances, stated Horner’s office, noting that flexibility will still be available for specific cases as needed.
In response to the announcement, NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi raised concerns about the potential impact of the decision and criticized the government for its treatment of workers. However, the news was met with approval from businesses in downtown Edmonton, where numerous Alberta government offices are situated. Local establishments have experienced a decline in foot traffic since the onset of the pandemic in March 2020.
Quinn Phillips, director of marketing and communications at the Edmonton Downtown Business Association, expressed that while some workers may not be thrilled about returning to the office full time, businesses are eager to see increased activity during lunch hours. She emphasized the positive impact of having more individuals in the downtown core throughout the day, citing the benefits for local establishments and the overall vibrancy of the area.
