Ohio Governor orders state employees to return to the office

Columbus, Ohio – Photo by Chris F

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine issued an executive order this week directing state employees to return to the office five days a week.

The executive order states, “State agencies, boards, and commissions under the authority of the Governor (collectively referred to as agency or agencies) shall require all permanent employees to routinely perform their duties in the physical office or facility assigned by their appointing authority, and not routinely from a remote location, no later than March 17, 2025.”

Additionally, the the EO says, “it is now in the best interest of the citizens of Ohio for State of Ohio employees to complete a return to a physical office or facility to best serve the public and maximize the use of state-owned assets and facilities.”

There are some exceptions included however. For example, “certain limited classifications, field workers or agency employees for whom no reasonable in-office employment is possible” are exempt. Another exemption applies if an office location was eliminated, and new office space would have to be acquired or remodeled.

Interestingly, the EO details that the state saved millions of dollars by utilizing remote and hybrid work to reduce leased office space.

DeWine’s executive order comes amid a recent trend of RTO mandates. It also comes shortly after an executive order by President Trump ending remote work for federal employees.