Canadian HR Reporter

E D I T O R I A L 6 www.hrreporter.com EDITORIAL Editor/Supervisor Sarah Dobson Employment Law Editor Jeffrey R. Smith Labour Relations News Editor John Dujay Production Editor Josh Lewis Contributors Melanie Samuels Perrine Farque CORPORATE Chief Executive Officer Mike Shipley Chief Operating Officer George Walmsley President Tim Duce Chief Information Officer Colin Chan Human Resources Manager Julia Bookallil ADVERTISING Business Development Manager Fred Crossley (416) 644-8740 ext. 236 fred.crossley@keymedia.com Vice President Sales John Mackenzie PRODUCTION Designer Ace Dequina Production Co-ordinator Ella Dayandante MARKETING AND CIRCULATION NAUK Subscriptions Co-ordinator Donnabel Reyes Media Marketing Manager Charlyn Macaraeg ISSUE 34.08.2021 www.hrreporter.com Finally, back at the office AS I write this, I am still working from the comfort of my home. But next week, the return to the office begins. It's a bit unreal that finally, after a year-and-a-half, we're going back to work. Of course, we've been hard at work all through the pandemic, but it's still a major shift to head back to the workplace and join my colleagues up close once again. And it will definitely be a different experience from what we knew before at work. For one, we are only going in two days a week, with the other days working from home. And with limited seating, there will be a much smaller group onsite, with people scheduling their days accordingly so that there's space. Hotelling is a new concept for me, with no designated desks, no personal items allowed to remain. We will be bringing in any personal items we need, including computer equipment, a change of foot- wear or clothing, or snacks. And we will always be spaced out, wearing masks in the elevators and common areas. All of this will require a major shift in mindset and behaviour. If I have a question for a colleague, it's not just a matter of sauntering over to perch on their desk for a quick conversation — I'll need to keep my distance or better yet, book a meeting room to allow for more space between us. Or maybe the person I'm looking for isn't working in the office that day, so it'll be a Skype call instead. And, of course, hand sanitizer will be a mainstay. Coming from my sheltered home setup, it'll be a big change. But it's exciting too. As much as I enjoy the solitude of home, I miss the energy and comradery of the office. I miss that feeling of community, knowing that we're all working for the same goal. I know that many people feel they've been kept hostage for too long by COVID-19, and we can't keep our lives on hold forever. Yes, another wave may come, but a return to the office can still work in that scenario, with employees safely working from home two or three days a week to minimize the risks. And, worst case, if we are indeed forced to return to our homes full time, at least we have a much greater sense of what that entails. Sadly, we've all become experts on how to deal with a pandemic. Sarah Dobson, editor, Canadian HR Reporter group Many people feel they've been kept hostage for too long by COVID-19, and they can't keep their lives on hold forever. Contents of Canadian HR Reporter are copyright © 2021 Key Media Canada (HR) Ltd and may not be reproduced in whole or part without written consent. Key Media Canada (HR) Ltd disclaims any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness or currency of the contents of this publication and disclaims all liability in respect of the results of any action taken or not taken in reliance upon information in this publication. HST/GST # 79990 3547 RC-0001 Canada Post – Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement 41261516 International Standard Serial Number 0838-228X. The publishers accept no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, colour transparencies or other materials. Manuscripts or other materials must be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. KEY MEDIA and the KEY MEDIA logo are trademarks of Key Media IP Limited, and used under licence by Key Media Canada (HR) Ltd. Canadian HR Reporter is a trademark of Key Media Canada (HR) Ltd. www.hrreporter.com Subscription price: Canada: $179 plus tax; US and International: $179 USD Canadian HR Reporter makes every effort to ensure accuracy in all items reported, but cannot accept responsibility for the representations or claims made by sources used. It is also not responsible for claims made by its advertisers. HR News at Your Fingertips THE LATEST NEWS Stay on top of essential late-breaking HR news and developments. THE BEST COMMENTARY Access trusted analysis and opinion on the cases and changes that are shaping the HR landscape. 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