This story was updated at 3:55 p.m.
Gov. Phil Scott’s new return-to-office plan for state employees will require a minimum of three days in the office starting Dec. 1.
Secretary of Administration Sarah Clark announced the decision in a message to all state employees Thursday afternoon.
“We know there is no path that will make everyone happy. But a consistent, predictable hybrid schedule will bring balance. It will increase interaction among — and across — teams, departments, and agencies,” Clark wrote. “And it will result in more effective collaboration, communication and connection among us, and the Vermonters we serve.”
Scott first hinted at the return-to-office initiative earlier this month. The Vermont State Employees’ Association has strongly opposed the move, saying hundreds of state workers have voiced their concerns.
“The top down, managers-know-all approach is an abject failure when it comes to supporting your staff and the morale of staff,” Steve Howard, executive director of the state employees’ union, told VTDigger Thursday.
In her message, Clark wrote the “decision to continue a hybrid approach — rather than a full return to in-office work — reflects employee feedback on the value of remote options.”
