Support for employers offering remote and flexible work

The COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic has been an unprecedented shock to our community, with many organizations shifting to having their staff work remotely on very short notice.

As of May 25, 2020, 30% of people in BC work remotely 1, compared to just 7% prior to the pandemic 2.

It is important to acknowledge that working at home during the COVID-19 pandemic is not a normal remote working experience. Many employees face new challenges, including personal stresses, social isolation, and juggling work and family responsibilities.

What is remote working

Remote working, also known as telecommuting, teleworking, or working from home, is a work arrangement that allows employees to perform their usual job duties at an approved alternative location.

Working remotely does not have to be a full-time arrangement. Part-time remote working is often balanced with more standard days commuting to a central worksite. Allowing employees to continue to work remotely 1 to 2 days per week as we head into recovery can benefit the transportation network and offer flexibility to your employees.

Remote working does not have to be just an interim measure, but can provide long-term benefits to your organization, your employees, and your community. There are also numerous environmental benefits of remote and flexible working, including eliminating vehicle trips, congestion, and carbon pollution, which help us work towards our climate targets.

Resources

Remote and Flexible Work Toolkit

Unsure where to begin? If you need help developing a remote or flexible work program for your organization, we can help. 

Our toolkit is a free resource for organizations that want to learn more about remote and flexible working, or improve their current programs and policies.

This toolkit is for employers with office-based staff who are able to work effectively away from your main worksite.

Download our Remote and Flexible Work Toolkit (467 KB)

How employees feel now about working from home

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that remote work can be adopted successfully on a much larger scale than previously thought:

  • 60% of workers now realize their job is doable outside of the office 3
  • 53% of employees would prefer to work remotely “much more often” after the pandemic 4
  • 23% of employees would like to work remotely “a little more often” after the pandemic 4

1 Source: Leger Weekly Pandemic Tracker, May 25, 2020 (1 MB)

2 Source: Statistics Canada, 2016 Census

3 Source: Robert Half, COVID-19 and the Workplace, April 30, 2020

4 Source: Leger Weekly Pandemic Tracker, May 25, 2020 (1 MB)

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