Walz mandates state employees' in-person work starting June 1

Starting June 1, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz will require most state employees to work in-person for at least 50% of their scheduled workdays. This policy aims to enhance collaboration within state agencies and support the economic vitality of downtown districts like St. Paul, which have seen reduced foot traffic during the pandemic. Approximately 60% of state employees already work in-person, and the policy includes an exemption for those living more than 75 miles from their primary work location. Walz emphasized that this approach balances telework flexibility with the benefits of in-person interactions. The change comes as local leaders express concerns about the impact of remote work on businesses in the Capitol city. Walz's announcement reflects a broader trend of reassessing telework policies as communities recover from the pandemic.