The Telework Framework Policy for Public Service Employees established by the Conseil du trésor has been effective since 4 April 2022. Two years after its implementation, a review of this policy was coordinated by the Secrétariat du Conseil du trésor (SCT), in close collaboration with experts from HEC Montréal and CIRANO.

CIRANO was commissioned to evaluate the perceptions of Quebec's public service employees on the impacts and effects of teleworking, with a particular focus on productivity. An exclusive survey of 71,420 employees was conducted in April 2024. With a response rate over 50%, the survey gathered the perceptions of 37,572 employees - including 2,690 managers - on the impacts and effects of teleworking. The study provides an in-depth analysis of general trends in teleworking and significant disparities according to various socio-demographic and professional characteristics.

Teleworking is globally perceived positively, particularly with regard to productivity, quality of work, and work-life balance.

→ 62% of employees believe that they are more efficient when teleworking than in the office, while 35% consider their performance to be equivalent in both contexts. 

→ 58% of managers consider their team's effectiveness to be similar when teleworking and in the office, while 27% consider it to be better when teleworking. On average, it seems slightly easier for managers to assess their employees' achievement of results when they are in the office.

The current hybrid mode gives rise to varied expectations. 

→ 63% of employees would like to increase the number of telework days per week to 4 or 5 days

→ managers tend to favour a balance around three days a week of teleworking (30.2%), followed by a two-day (24.5%) or four-day (17.6%) model.

The main benefits and challenges of teleworking

The main benefits cited by participants include the absence of commuting (64%) and peace and quiet (65%). However, challenges remain, such as social isolation (44%) and loss of team spirit (37%).

The analysis also reveals significant disparities according to gender, age and professional status, underlining the importance of adapting organisational practices to meet the varied needs of employees and maximise the effectiveness of teleworking.

→ Full report produced by the Secrétariat du Conseil du trésor, based notably on CIRANO's research project

→ CIRANO project report

Dostie, B., & Peignier, I. (2025). Impact de la Politique-cadre en matière de télétravail sur les perceptions des employés et des cadres au sein de la fonction publique québécoise (2025RP-03, Projects Reports, CIRANO.) https://doi.org/10.54932/CPGL8315