Ottawa-Gatineau Commuting Shifts in Response to the Federal Return-to-Office Policy

Keywords: remote work, COVID-19, public sector, mobility data, workplace flexibility
Abstract Type: Paper Abstract

Abstract

The transition to remote work, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has reshaped urban dynamics. This study employs de-identified and aggregated mobile phone network mobility data to evaluate the effects of Ottawa’s federal public service policy requiring a return to the office for three days a week. We quantified commuting patterns during the week before and the week after the policy implementation. Our results indicate a significant increase in the number of individuals commuting to Ottawa-Gatineau metropolitan area where the Canadian federal government offices are located. Additionally, our results show that commuters are leaving their homes approximately 15 minutes earlier than before the mandate, likely in response to heightened traffic congestion during peak hours.
The federal government’s policy has sparked considerable debate regarding its implications for employee well-being and urban infrastructure. Concerns about heightened stress and longer commutes have been voiced by public servants.
This research contributes to the broader understanding of the geographic and socioeconomic implications of home-based work by providing empirical evidence on changes in commuting behavior in response to employer policies. By focusing on the Ottawa-Gatineau metropolitan area, this study offers valuable insights into the regional impacts of remote work policies, informing strategies that balance workforce flexibility with the sustainability of urban environment.