Recruitment experts are weighing in on job security and flexibility in Minnesota in the new year.
The state's workforce faces a major change on January 1, as the new paid leave law may compel employers to swap permanent roles for interim hires. The new law offers payments and job protections to people who need time away form work for their own health, or to care for a family member.
Wayzata's Versique recruiting firm President Jenna Estlick says that this will be followed by a systemic shift away from remote work.
"There is more of an appetite from companies and from leaders who see the value in being together in the office more from a collaboration efficiency, culture standpoint," says Estlick.
She says looking ahead job seekers should prioritize opportunities at resilient small-to-mid-sized companies while working to cultivate a polished personal brand.
Estlick predicts this could mean that companies will start to lean more heavily on temporary staff while full-time employees take leave.
"And if you look at paid leave, three to five months can be a really long time for companies to have an open role," Estlick adds. "So what an interim resource can do is come in, keep the work moving while an employee is away on leave."
Funded by payroll premiums split between employers and employees, the Minnesota Paid Family Leave program offers up to 20 total weeks of leave for qualifying events like welcoming a new child, caring for a family member, or dealing with a serious health issue.
She says beyond the new law, the 2026 outlook predicts a "harder" corporate environment.
As for that remote work being phased out? She thinks companies will opt for more of a mandatory 4-day office week.