Recently Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order that will affect the many thousands of state workers in California, and potentially indirectly, many private workers as well. The order also includes good news for former federal employees who have been let go in the recent mass firings by the U.S. Federal Government. MNK Law is here to advise any employers contemplating re-implementing similar in-office requirements, regarding how to best navigate and implement such policies.
Governor Newsom signed an executive order requiring all state agencies and departments offering remote work to mandate at least four in-person workdays per week, starting July 1, 2025. The Governor noted that exceptions may be granted on a case-by-case basis.
Newsom argues that in-person work fosters better collaboration, innovation, and accountability, leading to improved services for Californians. Newsom argues that the 4-day in office, 1-day remote schedule still allows employees some flexibility. Newsom previously has cited benefits like enhanced efficiency and mentorship. Newsom has said that remote work undermines these benefits. He also noted that private sector companies are also increasing in-person requirements.
However, this move may spark tension with labor unions, as many public employees, about 95,000, still work entirely remotely, or in a hybrid capacity. Legal challenges to return-to-office orders are ongoing, with unions pushing back on the mandate. Timothy O’Connor, president of the union representing state attorneys, criticized the order, arguing that remote work improves productivity and employee well-being. “We think this is just sudden, comes out of nowhere, and it’s a misguided mandate that really ignores the benefits of telework. This is a very harsh order.”
Newsom further justified the mandate by highlighting the fairness to the entire state workforce, noting that many workers, such as janitorial, forest management, law enforcement and healthcare staff, continued to work in person during the pandemic.
The order also includes provisions to streamline hiring of former federal employees for key roles like firefighting and mental health. The Executive Order therefore offers some help for those employees who have been let go in the recent mass firings by the Federal Government.
The move comes as private offices have been increasingly shifting back to in-office work. If you believe this decision may affect your business, please contact the MNK Law Team at 562.362.6437, or info@mnklawyers.com.