Survey shows lack of space, privacy marred back-to-office experience [Video]

Internal feedback from managers within the federal department responsible for overseeing public servants’ gradual return to the office reveals they had their own concerns about space, cleanliness and technology last fall.

Radio-Canada filed an access to information request for responses submitted by Treasury Board managers surveyed shortly after the three-day-a-week mandate took effect on Sept. 9. (Managers must now be in the office four days a week.)

The request yielded 24 reports covering a brief period from Oct. 31 to Nov 9. A shortage of workspace was a common theme, particularly when it came to rooms for meetings, impromptu discussions or sensitive conversations.

“Not enough office space to collaborate in teams as the members are not sitting together, not enough quiet space to take calls,” wrote one respondent.

• Federal public servants vie for prized co-working spaces to avoid downtown commute

One manager said office space was particularly hard to come by on Wednesdays. …