The Alberta government announced that starting in February, all government employees will be returning to full-time, in-office work. This decision marks the end of the interim hybrid work policy that allowed Alberta Public Service (APS) employees to work from home for up to two days per week since March 2022. As of August, around 12,600 government employees, comprising approximately 44% of the workforce, were participating in this remote work arrangement.
The province explained that the initial policy was implemented in response to the public health crisis but is now being discontinued due to changing circumstances and industry trends. Similar to Ontario’s decision in August, where employees are required to work in the office five days a week as of January 5, 2026, Alberta is now following suit.
Despite this change, the APS is still committed to providing flexibility through other policies such as hours of work averaging arrangements, flexible hours, and modified work schedules based on operational needs. Finance Minister Nate Horner’s office, responsible for overseeing the public workforce, expressed support for the full-time office work decision, emphasizing its potential to enhance collaboration, accountability, and service delivery for Albertans.
While acknowledging the necessity of the temporary hybrid work model during the pandemic, Horner’s office clarified that individual cases requiring flexibility will still be accommodated based on job requirements and worker circumstances. Opposition NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi raised concerns about the government’s approach, accusing the United Conservative Party of disrespecting workers.
However, businesses in downtown Edmonton, where many Alberta government offices are situated, welcomed the news. The area has suffered from reduced foot traffic since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. Quinn Phillips, director of marketing and communications at the Edmonton Downtown Business Association, expressed understanding that some workers may not be thrilled about the full-time office return but highlighted the positive impact on local businesses. She mentioned that having more people in the downtown core during daytime hours would benefit businesses and create a vibrant atmosphere.