English 
Spanish 
4 min read
15 comments
The government is redefining the future of civil servants by imposing three days of in-person work per week. The decision, published in the Official Gazette, has shaken up civil servants, who are highlighting the benefits of teleworking, such as savings and quality of life.
A surprising change is about to impact the lives of thousands of public servants in Minas Gerais.
After years of flexibility provided by the teleworking regime, adopted on a large scale during the pandemic, the state government announced a turnaround that promises to reignite debates about efficiency, economy and quality of life in public service.
The new rule, which is already included in the Official Gazette of Minas Gerais, stipulates that, from January 2025, state employees must appear in person for work at least three times a week.
- Work from 19pm to 7am on a 12x36 shift at Cimed! The fourth largest pharmaceutical company in Brazil has a job opening for a night porter in Minas Gerais
- Over 500 people become millionaires in 24 hours with Donald Trump's NEW cryptocurrency: Phenomenon that moved billions
- How about working from 7am to 19pm on a 12×36 shift at Rede D'Or? Rede D'Or is opening a job vacancy for the position of Messenger for those who have completed high school.
- Unimed has a job opening with a salary of R$2.304,06 + R$800 in food vouchers to work as an Assistant from Monday to Friday, from 11am to 20pm, and Saturday, from 8am to 12pm
This decision marks the end of a model that has been widely accepted in several public departments since 2020, when COVID-19 forced an urgent restructuring of working practices.
The origin of teleworking in the state
Teleworking was introduced in Minas Gerais in April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
At that time, social isolation required extreme measures to protect the health of the population and maintain the continuity of services.
During the pandemic, 49 state bodies and entities have adopted the remote regime in its entirety, allowing employees to carry out their tasks without leaving home.
The transition was a milestone in the modernization of public administration, promoting flexibility and reducing operating costs.
However, with the advancement of vaccination and the decline in infection rates, the state began to reevaluate the model.
In 2023, civil servants were required to be physically present at least one day a week. Each department had the autonomy to regulate teleworking, being able to adapt it or even revoke it.
Still, many employees benefited financially from working remotely. Reduced spending on transportation, food and clothing were some of the main advantages reported during the more flexible phase of teleworking.
The impact of the new resolution
The recent decision raises the minimum frequency of in-person work to three days per week.
According to the joint resolution of the State Secretariats of Planning and Government, the standard seeks to strengthen the integration of teams and ensure greater efficiency in the services provided to the population.
On the other hand, the measure faces resistance from some civil servants. Many claim that teleworking has brought significant benefits, both financially and in terms of productivity.
Savings on transportation, food, and other daily expenses are often cited as one of the main advantages of the remote model.
The government, however, argues that physical presence is essential to maintain strategic alignment between teams and improve the quality of service to citizens.
Face-to-face interaction, according to state secretariats, is essential in certain roles, which would have motivated the increase in mandatory days in the workplace.
The reaction of the servers
Dissatisfaction led to the emergence of the Telework Movement, organized by public servants who defend the continuation of the hybrid or remote regime.
The group has used studies and personal accounts to highlight the advantages of teleworking, including a better quality of life and better performance in activities.
According to members of the movement, remote work also contributes to reducing traffic and pollution in cities, aspects that were not sufficiently considered in the state government's decision.
Furthermore, they argue that teleworking represents significant savings for public coffers by reducing operational costs, such as office maintenance and electricity consumption.
Another point highlighted is the impact on the mental health of employees. Many reported that remote work brought a better balance between personal and professional life, favoring a less stressful and more productive work environment.
Future scenario and challenges
Experts point out that returning to in-person work can be challenging for employees accustomed to remote work.
The transition will require logistical adaptations, including reorganization of physical spaces and revision of schedules.
Even so, the flexibility of remote work is a global trend that will continue to influence public policies.
Countries and companies around the world have been experimenting with hybrid models, which combine the best of both formats.
In Minas Gerais, the issue remains polarized. While the government argues that the in-person model promotes greater engagement, civil servants insist that productivity is not directly linked to physical presence.
Studies carried out by independent entities indicate that teleworking, when well structured, can even outperform traditional models.
A controversial decision
According to the Official Gazette of Minas Gerais, the new rule will come into effect at the beginning of January 2025, and state secretariats will have to adapt to the changes quickly.
This restructuring includes adjustments to contracts, transport logistics and even reassessment of goals and performance indicators.
The measure, however, does not end the discussion. The Telework Movement promises to intensify its actions in 2025, with demonstrations and open dialogues with the government to reconsider the decision.
Will the state government give in to pressure from civil servants or will it remain firm in its decision? The answer to this question will determine the direction of public work in the state in the coming years.
They have not learned anything from the tragic lesson of the Pandemic...what a shame! A setback!
I don't understand. Are you for or against teleworking?
I didn't see anything against teleworking in his comment.
Good morning everyone!
What working hours should I expect to return to in-person work?
For 4 hours? 6 hours? full hour, 8 hours?
We will work on the Skills and Performance Analysis of each position with feedback to public agencies. Each agency can create its own analysis matrix. For example: the server that performs best in the morning, works in the morning / in the afternoon, works in the afternoon.
Luciana Salles
Arbitrator and Mediator
The decision by the Minas Gerais state government was published in the Official Gazette and establishes that public servants must work in person at least three times a week, starting in January 2025.