Mar. 20—LEWISTON — City officials are considering a remote work policy and a possible four-day workweek for city staff as possible ways to attract and retain employees.

The City Council discussion Tuesday came as city leaders are under fire from current and former staff and the public over the loss of longtime employees and claims that the current work environment might lead to more turnover.

However, city administration has argued that the bulk of the turnover has been related to evolving workforce needs and the emphasis on flexible schedules or hybrid work.

Human Resources Director Heather Theriault told the council that so far this year, the city has lost three employees and had multiple applicants turn down jobs due to a "lack of flexibility" and no remote work policy.

She said the proposals would essentially bring Lewiston to where many municipalities already are in terms of offering more flexibility. The majority of municipalities the city looked into are already offering some kind of remote work options, she said.

Brian O'Malley, deputy city administrator, said some applicants are choosing nearby cities like Auburn due to remote policies.

"We're just trying to catch up with what others are doing," Theriault said.

The city has also polled other municipalities about the use of a four-day workweek. Theriault said that of the 26 municipalities that responded, 15 allow a four- or four-and-a-half-day workweek. Of those that said no, many are looking into it.

Theriault said they also polled city employees about a four-day workweek, and of those who responded, 40 said they would support it, while 10 said they wouldn't. She said some shared concerns about child care and school scheduling.

A proposed schedule shared by staff would be 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, and 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, with Fridays off. Some departments and employees would not be able to go by the schedule, and administration said they would have to provide flexibility.

A presentation from Theriault said the process would "need communication and work with the applicable unions" to execute agreements.

Many councilors appeared to support the new policies, and Theriault said the policies would be finalized and returned to the council for a formal vote.

Mayor Carl Sheline said Tuesday that "work has forever changed" due to the pandemic, and while the options may not work in every position, they should be offered "for us to stay competitive."

Councilor Josh Nagine said he commutes to Portland three days per week but remote work is often easier, so he understands the need to have the options for staff.

"The more flexible we can be the more attractive we can be," Councilor David Chittim said.

Asked recently about the level of staff turnover in Lewiston, City Administrator Heather Hunter said the city has been "monitoring and identified several contributing factors for these departures."

"While the initial surge of resignations related to COVID has subsided, its effects linger in the evolving demands of job applicants," she said. "Today's workforce seeks unconventional benefits such as pet-friendly workplaces, remote options, and shortened workweeks, which may not align with traditional municipal structures. We recognize this change and we're striving to adapt."

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