The Big Story Home office vs head office: why Canadians aren’t so eager to return to their previous work set-up
Aug 13, 2025
Joining the discussion is Dave Korzinski, Research Director at the Angus Reid Institute, who offers keen insights on Canadian workplace preferences. He reveals that a significant majority of Canadians would prefer remote work and flexible schedules, reflecting a shift in work-life balance post-pandemic. The conversation dives into the conflicts between employees' desires for home offices versus corporate mandates for office returns. Moreover, it touches on how young professionals face unique challenges and the implications of these dynamics for future workplace culture.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Many Remote Workers Would Leave
- A quarter of people working from home would quit or start job hunting if forced back full time. 56% of remote workers would either leave or look for new jobs if required to return.
Morning Family Routine Replaces Commute
- Dave describes his dad routine: mornings with his child then starting work at nine upstairs. He uses this to illustrate how remote work reclaims commuting time for family life.
Remote Work Boosts Productivity But Hurts Connection
- Remote workers report productivity and mental-health boosts but also loneliness and disconnection. Employers worry remote work reduces company culture and spontaneous collaboration.