The Manitoba government has decided not to mandate a full-time return to the office for public servants, diverging from recent actions taken by Ontario and Alberta. Premier Wab Kinew confirmed in a recent interview that his government will maintain the option for many public servants to continue working remotely. The existing policy for full-time employees stipulates a minimum of three days per week in the physical workplace.
Kinew emphasized the importance of balancing work arrangements, especially considering employees with young children and family responsibilities. While some provinces are increasing the number of staff working from the office post-pandemic, Manitoba remains committed to hybrid work models.
In contrast, Ontario has initiated a mandatory full-time return to the office for public servants, with Alberta set to follow suit in February. The federal government is also expected to update its return-to-office guidelines soon, with the level of in-office presence depending on factors like seniority and role, as mentioned by the prime minister.
In Manitoba, Kinew’s support for hybrid work arrangements for eligible staff does not extend to managers. He expressed concerns about the effectiveness of supervising employees in person if managers themselves are not physically present. The focus in Manitoba has been on encouraging health-care management to return to in-person work.
The Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union, representing many civil servants, welcomed the government’s decision to maintain hybrid work options. The union president, Kyle Ross, highlighted the importance of work flexibility in enabling employees to balance their personal and professional lives effectively.
Under the government’s remote work policy, employees must obtain permission from their supervisors to work from home or other locations. Remote work is only permitted if it does not impact service delivery or program operations, according to the policy. Many workers have embraced this flexibility, with a significant percentage opting for more remote work hours.
Notably, as of November 2025, around 30% of Manitoba’s civil servants, totaling 3,749 employees, were working remotely at least once a month. A workplace consultant emphasized that the push to bring employees back to the office is not solely about productivity but also about fostering a cohesive organizational culture and enhancing collaboration and engagement among staff.