California’s state workers are fighting for more flexible work arrangements as the government pushes for a return to traditional office settings. A new legislative proposal from the Professional Engineers in California Government (PECG) aims to secure permanent remote work options for state employees, challenging Governor Gavin Newsom’s mandate requiring most workers to be in the office four days a week.

The proposed bill, authored by Assemblymember Alex Lee, would require state agencies to offer work-from-home options “to the fullest extent possible” and provide written justifications for in-person work requirements. This legislation comes at a critical time when state workers have grown accustomed to the flexibility gained during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Current data suggests significant support for remote work, with 74% of eligible state workers preferring telework as of 2024. The potential benefits extend beyond employee preference, with a state auditor’s report indicating that allowing employees to work from home at least three days a week could save the state approximately $225 million annually.

Ted Toppin, executive director of the engineers union, emphasizes that the bill isn’t about nullifying the governor’s order, but about highlighting the broader advantages of telework. “Saving money, protecting the environment, cutting traffic, recruiting and training staff - these are shared goals of all Californians,” Toppin explained.

The proposed legislation also includes a transparency component, requiring the state to establish a dashboard documenting annual savings from remote work. This move comes after the Department of General Services stopped publishing such information in 2024.

While some state agencies already mandate in-office work and the Legislature mostly requires staff to be in the Capitol, this bill represents a significant push for more flexible work arrangements. Assemblymember Lee argues that the measure will ensure transparency and benefit both state employees and taxpayers.

As the debate continues, it’s clear that the future of work in California remains a dynamic and evolving landscape, with employees and policymakers negotiating the balance between traditional office settings and the newfound flexibility of remote work.