PHILADELPHIA (TND) — Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker announced Monday all city employees will be required to return to in-office or on-site work by July 15.

Mayor Parker noted the change is “in alignment” with her administration's goal of “creating a more visible and accessible government.” She explained the move is intended to facilitate communication and collaboration between city workers.

"Employee presence at the workplace allows for more personal and productive interactions, facilitates communication, promotes social connection, along with collaboration, innovation and inclusion," Mayor Parker said.

The city will, however, “permit occasional remote work to address periodic life circumstances," according to a press release.

“I appreciate and expect everyone’s cooperation with this decision and understand that this transition will require some adjustment,” Mayor Parker said.

The new policy was not negotiated with the unions representing city workers, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. The mayor's office did not confirm to The National Desk (TND) Monday whether union representatives were involved in the process.

READ MORE | Employee engagement drops to lowest level in over a decade, Gallup says

A survey in February found over half of remote employees who receive orders to return to their workplaces would rather search for a new position than comply.

A separate survey by Resume Builder found 80% of companies will start tracking office attendance, with 95% threatening consequences for employees who do not comply with orders. The consequences include shrinking bonuses, changing benefits and salary reductions, according to the survey. One-third of the employers in the survey said they will fire people who do not go to the office when required.

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