CMFMAG TeamAbove image: Left, Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Chief Warrant Officer Chief Bob McCann, and right, former Chief of Defense Staff General Wayne Eyre.
During the height of the global pandemic, it was a common workday scenario to meet co-workers and clients virtually online through popular high-tech software like Zoom or Teams.
With tensions and fears having mostly subsided, the former Chief of Defense Staff General Wayne Eyre and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Chief Warrant Officer Chief Bob McCann released a message clarifying the CAF’s expectations regarding workspace arrangements for military personnel reluctant to move back to their workspace.
Optimize Operational Readiness
“In our ongoing efforts to optimize operational readiness and foster a culture of collaboration, we want to provide clarity on our expectations regarding work arrangements,” stated CDS General Eyre and CWO McCann in the June 2024 message.
“While recognizing the evolving landscape of work, particularly in light of ongoing global challenges, we cannot over-emphasize the fundamental importance of in-person collaboration within our military framework. Our operations thrive on teamwork, cohesion, and real-time interaction, elements best nurtured through face-to-face engagement. The vast majority of CAF members are working in a position that reflects this imperative, and as our institution’s highest headquarters we need to not only follow the example of subordinate elements but set it ourselves.”
The statement emphasized that the default expectation for all CAF members is to “work from a DND/CAF established workspace five days a week.” They explained that this standard serves to enhance productivity, creativity, and collective effectiveness, aligning closely with CAF mission objectives.
Supervisors Empowered to Assess Needs
Further, while they acknowledge the necessity of flexibility in certain circumstances, leaders and supervisors are empowered to assess individual needs and operational requirements, granting discretion to allow remote or hybrid work, where appropriate.
“This flexibility is crucial for accommodating teams dispersed across different locations and optimizing efficiency without compromising readiness. However, our overarching goal remains unwavering—to ensure operational readiness and to safeguard our nation. Every decision regarding work arrangements should be guided by this paramount objective,” they stated.
In summary, the statement concluded that although the CAF values the potential benefits of remote or hybrid work, in-person collaboration is critical whenever feasible and conducive to operational imperatives.
“By coming together in shared spaces, we reinforce our bonds, develop and learn from one another, and bolster our capabilities, in the defence of Canada. We appreciate your unwavering dedication and service to Canada and the CAF.”
Read the CAF’s Workspace Clarification here.
