A rectangular tan building with signage that says "City Hall" over it's entrance. The building has neat landscaping and two flagpoles, with bright clouds and blue sky in the background.

Warren’s Flexible Work Culture

The city of Warren, like so many employers, faces a tight labor market where local private employers are offering starting pay rates upward of $19 an hour. City Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer Shannon Mortensen remarked to city council in August of 2021 that the city needed to begin looking at other ways to attract employees. The city could differentiate themselves by creating a work environment that “goes beyond a paycheck,” including flexibility with employee schedules and remote work as job duties permit. Reducing the stressors for employees by promoting flexibility in work schedules is key to creating a positive work culture.

The city council agreed it was time to make changes to compete in the labor market. The city wanted to create an environment where employees were comfortable asking for what they need to balance their family and out-of-work obligations.

Trial run success

Thus far Mortensen reports this change in work culture is a win for employees and the city. Employees are appreciative, and the city retains a great workforce.

For example, one full-time employee’s daughter ended kindergarten 25 minutes before his shift ended. The family has no nearby relatives and was in a bind. The employee asked if his daughter could color in the office until his shift ended, and the city agreed to try it. Mortensen said the kindergartner’s visit is now a highlight for everyone on staff. The employee is super appreciative, and the city may be nurturing a future public service worker as well!

Remote options

The city is also offering hybrid work options, which has helped attract and retain employees who want workplace flexibility. Warren now has one position working remotely several days a week —  a key financial position hired in late 2020. Offering remote work allowed the city to cast a wider net for recruiting a person with greater financial expertise.

“Employers are all vying for many of the same workers, so flexibility is key,” said Mortensen.

Minnesota’s severe weather sometimes necessitates concessions to the work schedule anyway, said Mortensen, and this way an employee can be productively working instead of spending their time stuck in a long commute. The council can be confident that a remote position is delivering for the city when deadlines are being met and the work is getting done well, said Mortensen.

The city provides laptops for employees and a voice-over-protocol for phones so work can be accomplished in the office as well as other locations. The city used the League’s Remote Work Agreement to formally document equipment, communication and availability, performance expectations, and more.