ST. PAUL, Minn. — Governor Tim Walz is changing work-place rules for state employees. Effective in June, 50% of scheduled hours must be at the work site – not at a home office. During the 2021 CoVid crisis, many state employees, as well as employees in the private sector, were encouraged to work from home if possible. But now, he said, CoVid has abated. Said Walz: “Having more state employees in the office means that collaboration can happen more quickly and state agencies can build strong organizational cultures more easily.” There will be exceptions, he acknowledged. Advantages to working from have been many:
> Reducing disease contagion.
> Eliminating none-productive “windshield time” commuting.
> Easing daycare expenses and hassle for parents.
> Reducing auto emissions that contribute pollution and global warming.
> Allowing employee to save on auto insurance.
> Fewer accidents, especially at heavy commuting times.
Walz noted that 60% of state employees already work all their time in-office.