As major Canadian employers tighten return-to-office mandates, a growing number of workers say they’d rather stay home. A new survey from the Angus Reid Institute shows 59% of Canadians would prefer to spend most of their working time at home if given the choice.That number rises to 76% among those who have previously worked from home or are still doing so. Among white-collar professionals — particularly in tech, finance, and knowledge sectors — 68% prefer working from home most of the time, and only 9% say they would choose to be in the office full-time..The survey comes as companies like TD, RBC, and BMO increase the number of required in-office days, following similar moves by many Fortune 100 firms. But compliance is mixed. Of those asked to return, 72% followed the policy, 5% quit, and 23% admitted they go in less than required.For workers who haven't yet been asked to return, the resistance is even stronger. Just 28% say they would return without issue, while 32% say they would comply but start looking for a new job. Another 24% say they would likely quit.Emotions around returning to the office are also mixed. Among those who have gone back, 27% say they are “very upset” and another 24% say they are “upset.” Only 17% were pleased with the return, and 32% said it made no real difference..Canadians cited avoiding the commute (78%) and better mental health (49%) as top benefits of working from home. Among parents, 27% said saving on childcare is also a major factor.Challenges remain, particularly around social isolation and disconnection from co-workers, with 30% citing each as downsides. Young women reported higher rates of feeling isolated, at 43%.Still, confidence in remote work remains strong. More than half of Canadians under 65 (57%) believe people are just as, if not more, productive at home. Among those who’ve experienced it, that belief jumps to 73%.Overall, 51% of working-age Canadians say they’ve worked from home at some point, and 29% are still doing so.