California orders state workers back to office

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D) office announced Wednesday that it has obtained a codified policy on how often California employees can work from home.

Cabinet Secretary Ann Patterson said in a memo obtained by The Hill that the governor’s administration will require all state employees to work at least two days a week starting June 17 to standardize different policies across state agencies. It says they will be required to work in an office.

Citing the coronavirus pandemic as it subsides, Patterson said each department in the state has its own policies, allowing about half of the state’s 230,000 workers to work from home. He said a policy was needed.

“Different approaches are likely to create confusion over expectations and exacerbate disagreements between agencies,” Patterson wrote.

He added that there are benefits to face-to-face working that should be considered, including “enhanced collaboration, cohesion and communication, improved mentoring opportunities, especially for new employees, and increased oversight and accountability.”

Exceptions will be granted on a case-by-case basis, she continued, adding that she “looks forward to continued dialogue” on the matter.

The Newsom administration embraced remote work during the coronavirus pandemic to combat the spread of the virus and keep government operations competitive with the benefits of the private sector. As many private sector employers force workers back, governments are now slowly following suit.

The move comes as local city leaders across the country are urging businesses and governments to encourage in-person work, citing declining downtowns and high office vacancy rates. I was disappointed.

According to U.S. Census data released in February, about 15% of the U.S. workforce is fully remote, triple the number before the pandemic.

Unions generally oppose forced returns, citing a lack of evidence that they have real job benefits. Research shows that most workers are just as effective, if not more efficient, working remotely than they are in the office.

Patterson said the union representing California state employees was informed of the decision on Wednesday. The Hill has reached out to California’s largest employee union, Service Employees International Union Local 1000, for comment.