PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia city office buildings re-open this week to the public, and to workers who have been doing their jobs remotely.
City Hall is not suddenly abuzz with activity. Not yet, at least.
Most city employees have remained on the job or have come back in the last year, but about 20% were still working from home.
Chief Administrative Officer Stephanie Tipton said employees are coming back gradually, working a hybrid schedule as they readjust child care and other considerations through the summer. Some may continue to telecommute.
"Remote work has worked really well in a lot of places," Tipton said.
"We have some call center operations that work really well from home, so those will probably continue from home."
She explained that the system of making appointments for city services has also worked well.
"You're able to be seen faster, and you might get more one-on-one attention because it's scheduled," Tipton said.
"Employees are able to do that, provide that convenience and customer service when there is an appointment."
For now, L&I, the Register of Wills and the Streets Department will continue to require appointments. The Department of Revenue will also make appointments but accommodate walk-ins, and Records and Human Services need no appointment.
"By September, we're going to see far more employees working on site than we do now," said Tipton.
