Return To Office Order in California: What It Means for State Worker Rights

May 9, 2025
A group of business people are sitting around a table with laptops.

How Will California Governor Newsom’s Return to Work Order Change the Landscape for State Workers?


Big changes are coming for California’s state workers. Starting July 1, 2025, most state employees will need to return to the office at least four days a week. This is part of a new directive from Governor Gavin Newsom, called Executive Order N-22-25. It officially ends the flexible remote work policies that started during the COVID-19 pandemic. 


Under the new rules, state agencies must require employees to be in the office four days a week. They will make some exceptions. For example, this includes people with health needs or those who live far from their work site. But for most employees, the message is clear: It’s time to come back. 


Governor Newsom says this move is about improving teamwork, communication, and accountability. He believes that meeting in person helps state employees decide faster and serve the public better. 


California isn’t alone. All across the country, both public agencies and private companies are rethinking remote work. Many are shifting back to more in-person work time.

What Are Employees and Unions Saying? 

Not everyone is happy about this decision. 


Labor unions, including SEIU Local 1000, strongly oppose the mandate. They say the policy is “out of touch” and unnecessary. According to the union, remote work has proven successful—and employees have been just as productive from home. Plus, working remotely helps people better balance work and personal life. 


Others worry about the extra costs of commuting and how it might affect morale. The CASE union, which includes attorneys and judges, criticized the sudden change. They believe it ignores the benefits of remote work and could even break current labor agreements.

Can the State Make It Work? 

Even though the rules are in place, not all departments are ready. 


Some state offices are struggling to make sure employees return as expected. There are also questions about space and resources. After years of working remotely, many buildings need updates or repairs to handle more people again. 


Lawmakers have raised concerns too. They say the state hasn’t fully figured out how much this return will cost—including money for office upkeep, utilities, and renovations.

A Bigger Picture: This Is Happening Nationwide 

California’s move is part of a larger national trend. Other states, like Texas, are also pushing government employees back to the office. Leaders in both parties say that being in-person helps with efficiency and better service. 


In other words, remote work may not be the long-term norm for many public jobs.

What Happens Next?

As the July 1 deadline gets closer, a lot depends on how well the state explains and enforces the new rules. The decision will shape daily life for thousands of state workers—and maybe even influence how other states handle remote work. 


Finding the right balance between flexibility and face-to-face teamwork is no easy task. This policy could become a model for success—or a cautionary tale. 


Lawyers for Employee and Consumer Rights is an employment law firm out of Burbank, California. We serve clients statewide with a wide range of employment rights representation. Looking for legal help? Use the form below or call Lawyers for Employee and Consumer Rights today.


This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal advice. 



Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is California’s Return to Office Order?
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s Executive Order N-22-25 requires most state employees to return to the office at least four days a week starting July 1, 2025. It ends many of the flexible remote work arrangements put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic.


2. Who is affected by the return-to-office mandate?
Most state employees are affected, except for those with health needs, significant commuting challenges, or other approved exceptions. The order applies across nearly all state agencies.


3. Why is California requiring employees to return to the office?
The order aims to improve teamwork, communication, and accountability. Governor Newsom believes in-person collaboration helps state employees make decisions faster and serve the public more effectively.


4. What are the main concerns of California employees and unions?
Labor unions and employees have raised concerns about the mandate’s sudden implementation, potential costs for commuting, effects on morale, and the loss of work-life balance benefits that remote work provided. Some unions argue the policy may even conflict with existing labor agreements.


5. Are state agencies ready for this change?
Not all departments are fully prepared. Many offices need updates or repairs to accommodate employees returning in person, and there are ongoing questions about space, resources, and additional costs for utilities and office maintenance.


6. Is this return-to-office trend happening elsewhere?
Yes. Other states, such as Texas, are also requiring government employees to return to offices. Nationwide, public and private organizations are re-evaluating remote work and emphasizing in-person collaboration for efficiency and service quality.



7. What should California state employees do if they have concerns about the mandate?
Employees can discuss accommodations with their supervisors, review applicable labor agreements, or consult an employment attorney to understand their rights. Legal advice may help navigate exceptions, workplace policies, or disputes related to the return-to-office order.

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