California Governor Orders RTO For State Employees
Photo by Stephen Leonardi
California Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order this week directing state employees to return to the office for at least four days a week.
State agencies and departments must update their telework policies to comply with Newsom’s executive order by July 1, 2025. All state employees will be expected to be in the office at least four days a week. However, exceptions will be granted on a case-by-case basis. State agencies will also be required to develop plans to accommodate the increase in in-person work.
Newsom stated:
“State employees are the backbone of our government, and we are blessed in California with public servants who devote their time and talents to the smooth operation of critical services and public infrastructure. In-person work makes us all stronger — period. When we work together, collaboration improves, innovation thrives, and accountability increases. That means better service, better solutions, and better results for Californians, while still allowing flexibility.”
California RTO Goals
The state RTO order seeks to “improve collaboration and communication, leading to faster, more effective decision-making.” It also is intended to “enhance mentorship and knowledge-sharing,” as well as “strengthen oversight and accountability,” and “deliver better services to Californians.”
California’s RTO mandate follows several high profile return to office announcements from both large companies and the federal government. It also comes after Newsom ordered employees to be in the office at least two days a week last year.
Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, the majority of California’s state workers worked in the office five days a week.
The executive order also directs CalHR to attempt to fill current state vacancies with former federal employees who are looking for new opportunities. CalHR is also directed to create a “federal employee resource website.” The site is intended to connect federal workers to job opportunities and “map the skills required for state government employment.”
