diff --git a/crates/workspace/src/workspace.rs b/crates/workspace/src/workspace.rs
index 99ab3cf6b7..dc2c6516dd 100644
--- a/crates/workspace/src/workspace.rs
+++ b/crates/workspace/src/workspace.rs
@@ -3842,11 +3842,13 @@ impl Workspace {
                 if *local {
                     self.unfollow_in_pane(&pane, window, cx);
                 }
+                serialize_workspace = *focus_changed || pane != self.active_pane();
                 if pane == self.active_pane() {
                     self.active_item_path_changed(window, cx);
                     self.update_active_view_for_followers(window, cx);
+                } else if *local {
+                    self.set_active_pane(&pane, window, cx);
                 }
-                serialize_workspace = *focus_changed || pane != self.active_pane();
             }
             pane::Event::UserSavedItem { item, save_intent } => {
                 cx.emit(Event::UserSavedItem {