Advocacy
Advancing Gender Equity by Embedding Flexible Work Options
Women and caregivers, especially in demanding STEM fields, face challenges when balancing their work and family responsibilities and often must choose between one or the other. OSPE, in partnership with Women and Gender Equity Canada, has begun an exciting 3-year initiative to address this issue and drive systemic change by promoting the adoption of the flexible work model.
In 2024, approximately one in four Canadians (24%) worked from their home at least part of the week. This is a 17% increase from before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Survey evidence has shown that working from home is not only practical in many industries but also allows employees to benefit from greater flexibility. OSPE members cited improved work-life balance, reduced commuting time, fewer interruptions, and reduced personal expenses.
Contrasting the strong employee desire for more flexibility, many organisations are reducing their work-from-home options or curtailing them altogether, with 83% of organizations expecting a full return to the office in the next three years.
Finding the Right Balance - An Evidence-Based Examination of Flexible Work Arrangements
The purpose of this report is to provide evidence-based guidance on striking the right balance between the clear desire of employees for more flexibility and the needs of the organisations that employ them.