Policy

Deputy Minister and Chief of the Defence Staff Issue Working In-Office Directive

Mishall Rehman September 19, 2024

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Department of National Defence (DND) civilian workers will now be required to work in-office three days a week, in a move that will inch public servants closer to pre-COVID work expectations.

Effective Sept. 9, all hybrid public service employees are required to be in the office three days a week, while all executives are required to be in the office four days a week.

This directive is not DND-specific but across all government departments.

“We encourage hybrid teams to identify a blend of fixed and flexible days and maximize workplace presence together.

“We remain committed to providing you with additional information and resources as they become available to support this transition,” stated Deputy Minister Stefanie Beck and Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Jennie Carignan in a joint statement about the new work expectations.

To ensure a seamless transition, DND issued guidelines for hybrid work that will “provide clear direction and guidance across three critical domains: people, digital, and workplace.” Above image: Major-General George R. Pearkes Building Downtown Ottawa.

Work Agreements

The revised work directive will require an approved and valid work agreement. Employees working full-time in office space are also required to have a valid agreement, according to the joint statement.

“This model will allow us to harness the best of both in-person collaboration and remote work flexibility, ultimately enhancing our efficiency and organizational culture,” the joint statement continued.

To ensure a seamless transition, DND issued guidelines for hybrid work that will “provide clear direction and guidance across three critical domains: people, digital, and workplace.”

The guide provides details on topics such as leave, working sick work agreements, AI, unassigned workplaces and much more.

Gen. Carignan and DM Beck stated, “As a general reminder, the default expectation for all Canadian Armed Forces members is to work from a DND/CAF established workspace five days a week, enabling us to foster a more connected and engaged workforce across the Defence Team.” Above image: view of National Defence Headquarters Carling in Ottawa from the Afghanistan Memorial. Photo by: Jay Rankin, Directorate of Army Public Affairs.

CAF Requirements

Gen. Carignan also nodded to the directives issued during the summer regarding the requirements of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members.

The directive, issued by the previous CDS, Gen. Wayne Eyre, was issued on June 13 and outlined the expectation that all CAF members work in person five days a week.

Echoing this sentiment, Gen. Carignan and DM Beck stated, “As a general reminder, the default expectation for all Canadian Armed Forces members is to work from a DND/CAF established workspace five days a week, enabling us to foster a more connected and engaged workforce across the Defence Team.”

The DND Guidelines for Hybrid Workplace can be read here.