Some state workers say child care remains a challenge as they return to work
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
State workers had different feelings on the first day of their return to office mandated by Gov. Mike Parson.
One contractor told ABC 17 News on Monday that the full return seemed rushed, coming less than two weeks after the governor's order. Another said child care was a major issue for many employees who had been working at home. And a third said she was happy to be back with her colleagues in person.
Parson ordered this month that all state workers return to the office no later than Monday, with no mask or social distancing requirements. He cited the availability of vaccines and COVID-19 testing along with lowered coronavirus rates statewide.
Thousands of state workers have done their jobs from home since last spring because of the coronavirus pandemic. The number of workers who had been doing their jobs remotely was not immediately available Monday.
While masks and social distancing are not required, the state is encouraging all state employees to do what makes them feel most comfortable. Workers are encouraged to get vaccinated and practice COVID-19 preventative measures.
Vaccines are available to all state employees, and workers can use the state's vaccine dashboard to find an available shot. According to the state health dashboard, 39.6% of Missourians have initiated vaccination and 32.8% have completed vaccinated.
A state contract worker who wanted to remain anonymous out of fear of retaliation said she thinks state workers were not given enough time to prepare to come back to work. She said it has been almost impossible to find child care.
Another state worker that wanted to remain anonymous said finding child care is one of the biggest issues facing many state workers having to return to the office.
Maggie Kost, the director of the strategy and performance division at the Department of Economic Development, said it has been great to to return to the office. Kost said most employees in her department are ready to get back to work and managers are encouraging workers to follow the CDC guidelines.
Parson's directive ordering state workers back to the office also said all state buildings will be open and accessible to the public during normal business hours.
