As a major snowstorm caused travel chaos, serious weather alerts, highway closures and school cancellations, some working for Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation were told to head into the office.
“Just a reminder that we have a 5-day a week in person requirement,” the email, seen by Global News, said.
It added that the snow meant staff could arrive late and leave early as long as they made an effort to attend.
“Otherwise,” the note concluded, “please take a vacation day, which some … staff are doing today.”
The message was sent after schools in Toronto had announced they would close for the day, and while emergency services and Environment Canada were urging people to avoid all non-essential travel.
“Allow extra time for travel,” the weather agency wrote. “Non-essential travel should be avoided.”
About an hour after telling workers to head into the office or use a vacation day, the directive was revised.
“We are now being advised that if you have your equipment, you may work from home,” the follow-up, sent at 10:35 a.m., said. “Staff to decide for themselves if it’s safe or possible to drive in today. Please use your best judgment and prioritize safety.”
Seems like managers want to have their cake and eat it too.
Managers should not be asking an employee to work remote if an office or workplace has come to the "conclusion" that remote work is ineffective and thus mandating "work" only be performed in a office environment. It spits in the face of the mandate and highlights remote work is effective and efficient.
Also, if an employee is required to be physically in a specific office environment, all work equipment should be permanently stored and available in that office environment for the employee.
You should not be expected now to lug all your office supplies with you between offices, or back to your home just to bring them back the next day. Especially when an office has now mandated a "designated work location".