SACRAMENTO, CA – Across the United States, a growing number of state governments, both Republican and Democrat-led, are reversing pandemic-era remote work policies, mandating that public sector employees return to in-person office work. This trend is causing significant upheaval among state workers, who have grown accustomed to the flexibility of remote arrangements.
In California, Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom recently issued an executive order requiring state employees to work in the office at least four days a week, starting July 1st, citing concerns about productivity and collaboration. This decision has met with strong opposition from state workers, many of whom have long commutes and logistical challenges.
"The governor’s executive order kind of blindsided everybody," said Jonah Paul, a California state employee and president of the downtown Sacramento chapter of SEIU Local 1000, the state’s largest public sector union. "People have been really upset." Paul himself faces a grueling two-hour train commute from Oakland to Sacramento, often not returning home until 7 p.m.
California's move mirrors similar mandates in other states. In Texas, Republican Governor Greg Abbott has instructed state agencies to end remote work, emphasizing the efficient use of taxpayer dollars. This decision comes despite a legislative committee finding that remote work had positive impacts, including improved recruitment and productivity.
"Any remote work policies must ensure taxpayer dollars are being utilized efficiently," said Andrew Mahaleris, a spokesperson for Abbott. "With remote federal workers returning to the office where possible, it’s important that state agencies ensure they do the same.”
Other Republican-led states like Missouri, Ohio, and Indiana have also implemented return-to-office mandates, with efficiency cited as a primary justification. Notably, Indiana Governor Mike Braun’s order preceded a similar move by the Trump administration for federal workers.
The return-to-office trend is not uniform across the U.S. In New York, agencies have the autonomy to set their own remote work policies. In Wisconsin, a legislative attempt to mandate in-person work was vetoed by Democratic Governor Tony Evers.
Economist Nicholas Bloom at Stanford University warns that these mandates could lead to talent drain. "States are going to have to increase salaries or fatten up the benefits package in other ways if they’re asking people to forgo this flexibility," said Chris Tilly, a UCLA professor of urban planning.
Concerns also extend to the impact on employees with medical needs. Rolf Straubhaar, a Texas state employee, expressed concern that exceptions may not be granted for those requiring remote work due to health issues.
The transition back to the office also presents logistical challenges. In California, limited office space in some agencies is exacerbating the problem. "There’s a physical space constraint that makes this order even more absurd," said Paul. "It’s not really realistic to force everyone to come back."
While some state employees, like janitors and highway patrol officers, have continued to work in person throughout the pandemic, the abrupt shift back to full-time office work is causing significant disruption and anxiety for many others. The long-term effects of these mandates on state employee morale, productivity, and retention remain to be seen.
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