The Globe and Mail reports in its Tuesday edition that Canaccord Genuity is ending hybrid work for its over 1,000 Canadian employees, requiring them to return to the office five days a week starting Sept. 8. The Globe's Jameson Berkow writes that this policy exceeds the requirements of major firms like Royal Bank of Canada and Bank of Nova Scotia, which have mandated four days in-office. Chief executive officer Stuart Raftus acknowledged the adjustment this change will necessitate in an internal memo, "By providing advance notice, our goal is to give you the time needed to re-establish routines and return to the rhythm of attending the office every day." As public health risks from COVID-19 have decreased, employers are taking a firmer stance on returning to the office. The pandemic led to a crisis in commercial real estate, leaving many office towers empty and local businesses that relied on office workers, like restaurants and gyms, struggling. Executives blamed declines in productivity and innovation to remote working policies. RBC CEO Dave McKay was among the first in Canada to state this in March, 2023, leading to a three-day in-office minimum. Canaccord's Mr. Raftus also emphasized the need to boost productivity.