OTC Employee Support Requested: Remote Work Policy Petition

Remote work has been an established option for county employees since March 2020, with a formal policy adopted in 2021. Over the past several years, employees and departments have adapted to this arrangement while continuing to serve Otter Tail County residents and fulfill the responsibilities of their positions.
We recognize that not all county positions can be performed remotely and that in-person services remain essential to many county operations. However, we believe remote work should continue to be considered a valuable and flexible work arrangement for positions where job responsibilities, performance expectations, and operational needs allow it.
A blanket requirement for a minimum of three in-office days per week may have significant implications for employees and the county, including recruitment and retention, employee morale, work-life balance, commuting costs, and the ability to maintain an effective and productive workforce.
Rather than implementing a three day in office requirement across eligible positions, we respectfully ask the Board to consider an alternative approach that preserves flexibility while maintaining accountability and high-quality public service.

We respectfully request that the Board of Commissioners:

1. Pause approval or implementation of the proposed three-day in-office requirement until employees have had a meaningful opportunity to provide input and an alternative proposal has been reviewed.
2. Evaluate the current remote work policy using objective information about employee performance, productivity, service delivery, staffing, recruitment, and retention.
3. Consider an alternative policy that bases remote-work eligibility and in-office expectations on job responsibilities, demonstrated performance, and documented operational needs rather than a blanket minimum attendance requirement.
4. Provide employees with an opportunity to be heard through a formal feedback process or meeting before a final decision is made.
5. Explain the operational rationale for the proposed changes and how the anticipated benefits will be measured.

Our goal is not to eliminate accountability or disregard the needs of county operations. We support a policy that allows the county to meet its responsibilities to residents while recognizing that flexibility can be compatible with productivity, effective service, and a strong workforce.

We believe significant workplace policy changes should be informed by evidence, operational needs, and meaningful employee input. We respectfully ask the Board to consider the long-term impact of this decision and work with employees to develop a practical, fair, and effective solution.

By signing below, we express our support for reconsidering the proposed remote work policy changes and evaluating an employee-supported alternative before implementation.

We understand our names listed on this petition may be viewed by County Commissioners and/or Administrators of Otter Tail County.

Thank you for your consideration and for your service to Otter Tail County.