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Return-to-office mandates are making a strong comeback, from U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration requiring federal employees to return to the office full-time to smaller Canadian companies quietly rolling out their own in-person work policies or increasing the number of days required my employees.
 
 

“Individuals have changed some of their priorities over the last couple of years, and we are also seeing the pendulum shift where employers continue to want to see their people come back into the office,” says Mike Shekhtman, a senior regional director at HR firm Robert Half Canada.
 
 

He says companies want to bring people back to boost collaboration and innovation.
 
 

Despite these mandates, a large number of Canadian professionals want more control over where and when they work. A new survey from Robert Half Canada found that 41 per cent of Canadian workers want increased flexibility.
 
 

Even as hybrid work emerges as a common middle ground, employers and employees still don’t see eye to eye on how many days should be spent in the office. The 2025 Canada Salary Guide from Robert Half found:
 
 
 
  • 44 per cent of workers would prefer to be in the office two to three days a week
  • Employers, on average, would like employees in the office four days per week
 
 

“It’s a little bit of a tug of war that’s going on between employees and employers alike,” Mr. Shekhtman says.
 
 

Workplace flexibility is good for employee health – and company wealth
 
 

Beyond personal preferences, research suggests that flexible work has tangible benefits for employees’ well-being.
 
 

A study released Thursday from International Workplace Group found:
 
 
  • 79 per cent of workers say their overall well-being has significantly improved because of greater flexibility and control over their work style.
  • 64 per cent reported improved physical health, with more time for exercise, healthier meals and better sleep.
  • 70 per cent said returning to a central office five days a week would negatively affect their well-being.
 
 

As more companies push for a return to office, workers are reassessing their priorities.
 
 

“More individuals are forced to re-evaluate what’s important to them,” Mr. Shekhtman says.
 
 

While it’s clear that healthier employees are often happier and more productive, Mr. Shekhtman says that flexibility can also benefit employers. Companies that embrace hybrid or remote work may have a better shot at attracting top talent and can even reduce overhead costs related to office space and parking.
 
 

Tips for asking for flexibility at work
 
 

For employees who want to negotiate for more flexible work arrangements, Mr. Shekhtman offers a few key strategies:
 
 

1. Understand company policies: Before making any requests, employees should research their company’s existing policies. Some organizations may already offer flexibility in certain roles or departments, so knowing what’s available can strengthen a request.
 
 

2. Define what flexibility means to you: “Flexibility may mean different things to different people, just based on their lifestyle,” Mr. Shekhtman says. For some, it may mean working from home more often, while for others, it could be adjusting work hours to accommodate personal commitments. Having a clear understanding of what flexibility looks like for you is essential before making a case for it.
 
 

3. Build a business case: “It’s no different than a salary negotiation. You have to go into this type of discussion really prepared, be solution-minded and have that mindset where you can share a couple of different options and examples that will not only benefit you but also benefit the organization,” he says. That could mean showing how flexibility improves productivity, contributes to work-life balance or even helps the company cut costs. The key is to demonstrate that flexibility is not just a personal benefit, but a business advantage as well.
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

99 per cent
 
 

That’s how much of Canada’s steel exports are currently going to the U.S. With the looming threat of blanket 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods, steel producers were looking at how to minimize the hit to revenue by expediting shipments.
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

Being introverted comes with its own work-oriented benefits, but you may struggle with networking, self-promotion and overwhelm in collaborative settings.
 
 

Experts say you can overcome these challenges by trying different tactics such as leveraging digital networking, rehearsing pitches or presentations to boost confidence, focusing on your strengths and setting boundaries.