Future of Work – CEO appearance on the Main Estimates 2022-2023 before the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs
Key Message
Elections Canada (EC) has established a Future of Work project to address the people, space and digital components required to formalize a hybrid work model.
Facts
In the summer of 2020, at the outset of COVID-19, it was announced to staff that EC would embark on a Future of Work project that would encompass people, space and technology and look at where, when and how we work. A Future of Work champion and project team were identified.
EC is introducing and formalizing a hybrid work model; this is a flexible model that supports employee work-life balance and wellness, helps reduce EC's environmental footprint and enables recruitment and retention of a diverse and talented workforce.
Employees whose positions are deemed suitable for telework based on the operational requirements of their functions will be able to request full-time or part-time telework agreements.
The approach follows central agency (Treasury Board) guidance and aligns with the core principles of consistency, flexibility, transparency, equity and service excellence.
Employees are being provided the necessary training, tools (physical and digital) and guidance to perform their work effectively and safely in a hybrid work model.
Preliminary cost estimates for the project are in the magnitude of $850K over two years.
Cost savings will be realized through the eventual reconfiguration and reduction of workspaces. It is also hoped that this will lead to increased retention of employees.
EC is engaging and collaborating with other government departments to leverage and share work being done.
EC is following an iterative and agile approach to implementing hybrid work and will continually monitor, evaluate and adjust the approach to ensure objectives continue to be met.