The Canadian federal government is considering reallocating its co-working spaces to address the need for unionized employees to return to the office four days a week starting July 6. Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) revealed that various options, including reallocating these shared spaces to federal agencies, are being explored as part of the transition back to a more regular office schedule.
Co-working sites, which are shared office spaces utilized by employees from different federal departments, aim to reduce travel time during in-person workdays. Currently, 15,000 public servants from 53 departments utilize 12 co-working sites across Canada, offering a total of 337 workstations. Six of these shared workspaces are situated in the National Capital Region, with the rest in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and others.
Demand for these spaces remains high, with most requiring reservations and some available on a first-come, first-served basis. Public servants in Orléans sometimes wait nearly an hour to secure a desk, highlighting the spaces’ popularity. The average occupancy rate stands at 61%, indicating insufficient availability according to Alex Silas from the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and Sean O’Reilly from the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC).
While some departments are struggling with space limitations, others are working to accommodate the return-to-office plan. Global Affairs Canada has postponed its four-day return due to space constraints, while other departments like the Department of National Defence are actively seeking solutions. Additionally, departments like Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada are planning to add more workstations to meet the office attendance requirements.
In light of these challenges, unions are urging the government to prioritize teleworking and reconsider the next phase of the return-to-office plan. With ongoing analyses and efforts by various departments to assess and address space issues, the government is navigating the complex task of ensuring a smooth transition back to in-person work arrangements.
