By JESSICA BRICKER
Additional oversight will be enforced if Wells County government employees wish to utilize a remote work option.
Commissioner Vice President Blake Gerber said the original provision was established for pandemic-related concerns “and not just at will.” He wanted to make sure that was clarified in the county’s records, he told the commissioners last month.
At times, the ability to work remotely instead of in the office has also been used upon special request for health-related leaves within departments. Those approvals came directly from the commissioners.
“I kind of like that idea (rather than) just them winging it,” Gerber said.
County Attorney Colin Andrews said last month that after receiving feedback, the amendment he presented for the employee handbook stated the final review for a remote work request — after approval from the department leader — falls with the commissioners and county auditor.
Commissioner Jeff Stringer said the issue is not knowing why a county employee was off work but approved for remote working.
Gerber wanted to incorporate the ability to review documentation about what was accomplished by the employee while they worked remotely and have the department leader “vouch” for it. Vanover added the department leader will track productivity and tasks to that end.
“I never want to be accused of ghost employment,” Gerber added.
The commissioners voted 3-0 to further amend the handbook to incorporate the additional oversight.
jessica@news-banner.com
