Return to office: Newsom orders California state workers back four days a week - CalMatters

In a significant shift from the remote work policies instituted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, California Governor Gavin Newsom has issued an order mandating all state agencies allowing remote work to require their employees to report to office for four days a week. Effective from July 1, this decision marks a significant step towards a return to pre-pandemic working conditions. The move is likely to affect thousands of employees throughout the state and could potentially set a precedent for other states grappling with decisions about remote and in-person work policies.

California Governor Gavin Newsom's mandate for state employees to return to the office signifies a significant shift in the state's approach to managing the COVID-19 pandemic. The order, which is set to take effect on July 1, stipulates that all state agencies currently allowing remote work must mandate their employees to be physically present in the office for at least four days each week. This change reflects an increasing confidence in the state's ability to safely manage in-person work environments amidst declining infection rates and rising vaccination figures.

This decision by the Governor is not without controversy, however. While some view it as a necessary step towards restoring normalcy and economic stability, others express concerns over the potential health risks involved. Critics argue that despite the progress made in managing the pandemic, the risk of transmission remains, particularly in indoor settings such as offices where social distancing may be challenging to maintain.

Furthermore, the order has sparked debate over the future of work. The pandemic forced many organizations to shift to remote work arrangements, with some employees finding that they preferred the flexibility and convenience of working from home. The mandate to return to the office four days a week, thus, raises questions about the balance between operational needs and employee preferences, and how this balance will shape the post-pandemic workplace.

The order's impact on state workers is significant. Working remotely had provided employees with flexibility, allowing them to save time and money otherwise spent on commuting. The return to physical workplaces may be stressful for some, especially those who have found remote work more conducive to their productivity or work-life balance.

However, some workers might welcome the return to the office. For these employees, the workplace provides a structured environment that can facilitate focus and productivity. The social interaction that comes with being in an office is also a valued aspect of work life that many have missed during the pandemic.

It is important to note that there may be a split opinion among state workers regarding the new order. While some might view it as a return to normalcy, others might perceive it as an unnecessary risk, especially given the lingering concerns about COVID-19 and its variants. These differences in opinion highlight the complex task that state officials face in balancing the need for public service efficiency and the welfare of their employees.

Ultimately, the order's impact will depend on how it is implemented across different state agencies and how well these agencies address the concerns and needs of their employees. With the order set to take effect from July 1, all eyes will be on California state agencies to see how they navigate this transition.

Many experts have weighed in on the potential implications of this decision. According to Dr. Michael T. Osterholm, Director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, "This move by Governor Newsom can serve as a litmus test for other states contemplating similar measures. However, it will be crucial to monitor the situation closely and adapt as necessary to ensure the health and safety of all employees."

Dr. Osterholm further emphasized the need for workplaces to continue following safety protocols, even as employees return to the office. "While it is encouraging to see plans for a return to normalcy, it's important not to become complacent. Practices such as social distancing, mask-wearing, and frequent sanitizing should still be upheld in the office environment," he added.

Yet there are also concerns about the potential impact on worker morale and productivity. As HR specialist Susan Heathfield notes, "The abrupt transition back to the office might be a shock for some employees who have adapted to remote work. It's crucial for organizations to offer support during this transition and to maintain open lines of communication with their staff."

The directive from California Gov. Gavin Newsom marks a significant change in the state's approach to office work. By mandating state employees to be in office for four days a week starting July 1, the governor is signaling a return to normalcy and a move away from the remote work model that was widely adopted during the peak of the pandemic.

However, the transition may not be straightforward. For the past year, many state agencies have adjusted their operations to accommodate remote work. The return to office order may raise questions about employee safety, office capacity, and the future of remote work.

In the end, it is a delicate balance between safeguarding public health, ensuring state services' efficiency, and respecting workers' rights and preferences. The success of this order will largely depend on how well these concerns are addressed and managed.

Source: https://calmatters.org/politics/2025/03/california-employees-remote-work/