State telework audit won’t be done this year, but it could inform future remote work policies

After Governor Gavin Newson announced state departments and agencies would require public servants back in the office at least two days a week, a group of lawmakers unanimously directed the state auditor to look into the costs, benefits and effectiveness of California’s telework policies.

Assemblymember Josh Hoover, who led the charge for the audit, said California should be thinking creatively about how to reimagine downtown Sacramento — without relying on the return of state workers to fill government offices again.

“There’s things we can explore there that can actually be revenue generators, and reduce costs for the state,” Hoover told The Sacramento Bee. “I just don’t think this is the right long-term move.”

As for the audit’s status, Hoover said the state auditor should begin the process before the end of the year. Hoover hoped it would be public by Spring 2025. But noting the state auditor’s full plate, he said it could come later next year.

The Folsom Republican represents a district dense with state workers and said he’s aware public employees who are eligible for telework are eager to see the report.

When the governor made the call to come back into the office, Hoover said he heard from hundreds of constituents. They raised concerns about the environmental toll of workers driving downtown and the additional costs of commuting and child care that many public servants resumed paying when asked to return to offices.

“There’s a lot of private sector opportunities out there that are offering remote opportunities,” Hoover said. “The state is putting itself at risk of losing employees.”

In the month Newson’s order took effect, over 90% of the workers subject to the return to office mandate were back at their desks at least two days a week. But data from the state revealed that not all departments had enforced the directive equally.

Hoover hopes the audit will shine a light on the effectiveness of remote work and the impacts of telework on the state. In turn, the findings could be helpful for future policy should the Legislature choose to get involved, he said.