Message from the DM and CDS regarding the common approach to hybrid work

December 15, 2022 - Defence Stories

Team,

Today, the Secretary of the Treasury Board and the Chief Human Resources Officer shared a message with deputy heads regarding a new approach to hybrid work and have made specific direction available online to all federal public service employees. 

To support a consistent approach to how hybrid work is applied across the Public Service, departments and agencies will adopt a common hybrid work model that will see employees work on-site at least two–three days each week, or 40–60 per cent of their regular schedule. A phased introduction will begin on January 16, 2023 with full implementation of this model expected by March 31, 2023.

This announcement will undoubtedly result in questions. More information will be provided in the coming weeks, and regular updates will be given to you and your Chains of Command. You can also access the Ask Anything positional mailbox to have your questions answered.

We recognize that many of our Defence Team members, including the majority of those working outside the NCR, have been in the workplace since the start of the pandemic – these changes will not affect your current work posture. As much as this direction is specific to public service employees, we will also review how this will be addressed for members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

The value of working together in person cannot be underestimated as we all benefit from a workplace that supports collaboration, team spirit and innovation. We will evaluate the direction for the impact on our workforce and ensure alignment to our operational needs. Additional information will follow in the new year for those employees for whom a hybrid model is applicable. 

The health and safety of Defence Team members will remain a priority during this process. As we implement this direction, Defence Team leadership will apply this model in an efficient and effective way that supports DND/CAF priorities.

Thank you to all those who have contributed to our experimentation with the hybrid model and we look forward to applying our lessons learned as we take this important step forward. The resilience and dedication our team has demonstrated over the past few years gives us confidence that this new approach can be adopted in a way that ensures the continued strength, health and capability of our workforce.

Bill Matthews
Deputy Minister of National Defence 

General Wayne Eyre
Chief of the Defence Staff