Today marks an anniversary not worth celebrating: Five years since COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO).
In the years since the pandemic transformed the world of work, flexibility has become a defining expectation for Canadian professionals, according to a new survey by recruitment firm Robert Half.
The survey, conducted in March 2025 with 835 professionals aged 18 and over across Canada, found that 65 per cent of respondents now consider flexible work arrangements — either hybrid or fully remote — a non-negotiable factor when seeking new employment. An additional 20 per cent said they feel neutral about remote work, while only a minority prefer traditional office-based roles.
More than three in four respondents (76 per cent) reported being more satisfied with their careers today than before the pandemic, citing greater control over their schedules as a key factor.
While remote work remains popular, the survey also highlighted a renewed appreciation for in-office collaboration. Seventy per cent of workers said they are just as productive, if not more, in a remote setting. However, 54 per cent reported valuing face-to-face interactions more than they did before the pandemic.
Workplace culture has also undergone a shift. While 42 per cent of professionals believe companies are now prioritizing employee engagement and workplace culture more than before, concerns remain. Thirty-seven per cent said remote work has negatively affected company culture, and 22 per cent noted weaker relationships with colleagues compared to pre-pandemic levels.
The findings underscore the ongoing evolution of work expectations, with employers needing to strike a balance between flexibility, productivity, and workplace connection.
