The Pandemic Legacy: Why Remote Work Still Matters

Five years after the start of COVID-19, Canadian workers face increasing pressure to return to the office. But for many—especially working parents—remote work in Canada has become more than a pandemic-era benefit; it’s a lifeline.

According to a recent Angus Reid Institute survey, 59% of Canadian workers prefer to spend most or all of their week working remotely. This shift has transformed daily life for caregivers, who can now manage school pickups, healthcare appointments, and home responsibilities without the stress of a two-hour commute.

Canadian Workers Want Choice, Not Mandates

In July 2023, more than half of Fortune 100 desk workers were ordered back to the office full-time. HR expert Allison Vendetti—founder of Moms At Work—believes such mandates hit working mothers and family caregivers the hardest.

“Remote work humanizes family caregivers,” Vendetti says, “and acknowledges that a two-hour commute isn’t the best thing for your employees.”

The Caregiving Crisis and Women’s Economic Participation

Canada’s aging population—expected to reach 23% aged 65+ by 2030—means more workers will juggle medical appointments and elder care duties. According to the Institute for Gender and the Economy, Canadian women perform twice as much unpaid care work as men, from child care to elder care.

Without flexible work models, many women are turning to self-employment for schedule control, increasing the gender gap in traditional employment sectors.

Mental Health Risks and How to Address Them

Remote work in Canada isn’t without challenges. A Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives report notes that 43% of workers feel under constant stress, and 36% say they don’t have time for leisure. Women, in particular, report feeling more pressed for time than men.

Vendetti suggests solutions like Ontario’s right to disconnect legislation, regular community engagement, and stronger personal boundaries to help remote work remain sustainable.

Building a Future Where Work Flexibility Thrives

Remote work in Canada isn’t just about comfort—it’s about choice. Employers who listen to workers’ needs can foster healthier, more productive teams and keep valuable talent—especially women—engaged in the workforce.