Mayor Eric Adams announced on Tuesday that New York Public is considering allowing some city employees to work remotely once more.
Adams, when asked at a news conference if he would consider letting city employees to work from home, responded that he has already encouraged local agencies to “develop innovative ways to be flexible.”
Adam’s dedication to working “as a team” and allowing remote work is a dramatic reversal from his position a year ago, when he notoriously disparaged remote work and warned New Yorkers, “You can’t stay home in your pajamas all day.”
Adams said at the time that remote workers were detrimental to service-based organizations that rely on a regular flow of clients.
Adams stated in a speech last February at the state Democratic Committee’s Nominating Convention, “That accountant who is not in his office space will not be sent to the cleaners.”
“It will not be eaten in the restaurant. Adams continued, “It does not allow the cooks, waiters, and dishwashers to make a living.”
Adams emphasized that while being flexible, his administration strives to be fair to city employees and prevent a “two-tier system where some can work from home and others cannot.”
“Therefore, as a team, we want to determine how I can look out for my fellow civil servant when he or she must report to work and how we can compensate them.” “This is what we must do,” Adams continued.
It is unknown what type of “flexibility” would be provided to some city agencies, whose agencies would be included, and when this shift may occur.
His commitment to be adaptable comes at a time when the city and the nation as a whole are struggling to fill thousands of positions.
Adams stated that the city intends to become competitive in its recruitment for civil service positions.
“We must now be clear. How to transition to a post-pandemic work environment is a national issue, despite the fact that everyone keeps referring to it as a catastrophe in New York City.
Adams’ change in tune on remote work also comes as it was reported that work from home has caused Manhattan to lose at least $12.4 billion a year, as workers in Manhattan are spending about $4,661 less per person in the areas near their offices.
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