California state agencies are continuing to advertise jobs with telework and hybrid options, even as Gov. Gavin Newsom's mandate requiring most state employees to return to the office four days a week went into effect on July 1.
The directive applies to approximately 108,000 state workers, signaling an end to the flexible remote work arrangements adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, numerous job postings on the state's CalCareers website as of Monday still listed positions as "telework eligible" or offering hybrid schedules, prompting questions about the directive's enforcement.
Among the departments advertising these roles are the California Departments of Insurance, Education, Health Care Services, Consumer Affairs, Social Services, Employment Development, and Alcoholic Beverage Control, along with the State Compensation Insurance Fund. Some listings indicate full telework eligibility, while others suggest employees might qualify for hybrid schedules depending on the specific position.
Newsom announced the return-to-office policy in March, stating that increased in-person work would foster collaboration, innovation, accountability, and improve public service. The mandate generally requires agencies under the governor's authority to have employees in the office at least four days weekly, though limited exemptions are permitted for operational needs, disability accommodations, collective bargaining agreements, or roles requiring alternative work arrangements.
The policy has faced criticism from labor unions, which argue it could increase commuting costs, exacerbate traffic congestion, and hinder the state's ability to recruit and retain employees. Some unions have also raised concerns about potential conflicts with existing telework agreements.
It remains unclear whether individuals hired for positions currently advertised as telework-eligible or hybrid will be subject to the state's new four-day in-office policy. The California Post reached out to the listed departments and the Governor's Office for clarification on how these job postings align with Newsom's mandate. The Governor's Office directed inquiries to the California Government Operations Agency, which oversees the state's return-to-office policy.
Examples of advertised positions include an ABC Agent (Hybrid) with the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, a Casualty Actuary (Telework eligible) with the California Department of Insurance, and a Child Nutrition Consultant (Hybrid) with the California Department of Education. Other roles include a Claims Manager (Telework eligible) and an Insurance Accounting Specialist (Telework eligible) with the State Compensation Insurance Fund, and a Medical Consultant (Telework eligible) with the Department of Health Care Services.