Multnomah County DA orders managers, supervisors to return to in-person work

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Following the City of Portland’s lead, Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez is requiring leaders to return to in-person work full-time.

On Wednesday, the District Attorney’s Office informed employees that managers and supervisors of staff and attorneys will be expected on-site five days per week starting on Feb. 3.

Officials said this new mandate applies to managers and supervisors at the Multnomah County Courthouse and Justice Centers, the Donald E. Long Juvenile Detention Center and Gresham’s East County Courthouse.

In an email sent to employees, the newly-elected district attorney told staff he believes the office would better fulfill its obligations by working together in person.

“I think an organization like ours works best with human interaction and collaboration,” Vasquez wrote, in part. “And while that is sometimes possible using a hybrid or ad hoc work-from-home model, it is not ideal. There is so much more energy when we are all together, working together, laughing in the hallways, asking quick questions when we bump into each other than we could ever get over a Zoom call or some other piece of technology.”

Vasquez cited a 2023 equity survey in which employees expressed they want leaders “to be present and available in the office.” He also said staff would further stimulate Downtown Portland’s economy by returning to in-person work.

Mayor Keith Wilson initially suggested that all city employees should return to work, but later rescinded the initiative. Then, on Tuesday, he stated 700 managers and supervisors for the City of Portland are expected back in the office full-time by April.

“I’m committed to a culture of excellence, and working face-to-face cultivates the collaboration, camaraderie and innovation our city deserves,” Wilson said. “We are facing a crisis, and we need to act like it.”

Former Mayor Ted Wheeler also urged some city employees to return to the office for at least 20 hours weekly starting in 2024.