SACRAMENTO, Calif. — State workers in California will be returning to the office at least two days a week in June, according to a memo sent out from the governor's office.
Ann Patterson, a cabinet secretary for Governor Gavin Newsom, penned the memo to fellow cabinet secretaries that issued a directive for a hybrid telework system.
Many people left the office after the pandemic caused them to work from home. That being said, half of state workers were in jobs that required them to continue coming to the office. Meanwhile, others transitioned to hybrid or full-time telework. But that's about to change.
"Based on our experience and research that has emerged during that time, we are in a different place today as a society and as state agencies serving the public," said Patterson, in the memo.
While some agencies and departments have set up already set up hybrid telework policies involving mandated in-person days or announce them, others haven't.
"Unfortunately, the varied approaches have created confusion around expectations and are likely to exacerbate inconsistencies across agencies and departments," said Patterson.
The directive from the Newsom administration will have state workers back in the office at least two days a week, with some case-by-case exceptions. There's an implementation date of June 17, 2024 for the directive.
CalHR will notify their labor partners about the policy as well.
Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg has been vocal about the return of state workers to office and the downtown area and applauded the governor's approach to the issue.
"I respect the desire of all our public sector workers to have the flexibility that enables a greater work life balance. At the same time, our city and downtown welcome you back to all the growing downtown has to offer; farmers markets, great events at Golden 1 Center and beyond, new restaurants and much more to come in the months and years ahead. Our small businesses especially welcome you back as they have been hardest hit since the pandemic," said Steinberg. "I applaud the governor for crafting a balanced and thoughtful approach."
In her memo, Patterson said the state believes the transition to a hybrid telework system will encourage greater collaboration and cohesion.
Read the full memo below.
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