In this article – “Back to the office? New workplace norms expected to evolve in coming years” – we review such factors as the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on employers, including vaccine mandates, regular testing requirements and mask policies; new workplace norms following an unprecedented period of disruption; the employer focus on ensuring consistency with COVID-19 market practices; the need for employers and employees to reorient their efforts to reintegrate and ensure workplace safety on an ongoing basis; worker-friendly proposals in Ontario, federal pay equity legislation and new French language laws; and other legal developments that have affected employers in 2021 and that employers should continue to plan for in 2022.

This article is authored by Steve Dickie and Shaun Parker, partners with Osler’s Employment and Labour team; by Kelly O’Ferrall, counsel, Employment and Labour; by Melanie Simon and Shari Cohen, associates, Employment and Labour; and by Emilie Dillon, articling student.

Legal Year in Review is brought to you by Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP. Osler is a leading, national law firm with a singular focus – your business. We advise clients on an array of domestic and cross-border legal issues, drawing on the expertise of over 450 lawyers to provide the answers you need, when you need them.

Our Legal Year in Review, published December 7, 2021, provides general information only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice. Specific advice should be sought in connection with your circumstances.

For more information about Osler, please visit our website at osler.com. For the full Legal Year in Review, please visit www.legalyearinreview.ca.