The Covid-19 pandemic has infected the Canadian oil and natural gas labor force with fondness for the most common employment response — working from home.

A survey by industry agency Petroleum Labor Market Information (PetroLMI) found that 69% of workers hope the emergency measure will become permanent.

When the virus hit in March, 70% of staff worked from home, according to the survey of a cross-section of employers and workers in fields from exploration and production to oilsands plants, processing, refining and liquefied natural gas.

“While a flexible work schedule is not possible for all professions, the Covid-19 crisis has shown it can be a benefit that many employers can offer,” said PetroLMI.

“For energy companies wishing to attract a more diverse workforce,...