California Mandates State Workers to Return to Office Four Days a Week

Starting July 1, all California state employees will be required to work in person four days a week, following a mandate issued by Governor Gavin Newsom on Monday. The decision has sparked a mix of reactions from businesses, government employees, and city officials.

For downtown businesses like Philly Cheesesteaks on K Street, the change could mean an increase in foot traffic. “Probably the best news I could wake up to,” one business owner said, noting that slower lunch rushes have made it difficult to stay afloat.

However, not everyone is thrilled. Some employees argue the mandate disrupts the work-life balance they’ve adapted to since the pandemic. “I think it’s a political move on behalf of the governor, and it’s icky and gross,” said one worker who preferred to remain anonymous.

Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty supports the return, emphasizing that more workers downtown could improve overall safety. But parking costs remain a concern. Many state agencies do not provide parking, and downtown garages charge up to $200 per month, with meter prices recently increasing to help address the city’s budget deficit.

One alternative is the Sacramento Regional Transit light rail, which has seen a decline in ridership since the pandemic. Jessica Gonzalez, spokesperson for SacRT, believes this mandate could help bring commuters back. “Pre-pandemic, state workers made up the majority of our ridership.”

Despite the potential benefits, many state employees are resisting the shift, pushing to continue working from home. The debate over office mandates versus remote flexibility is far from over as California prepares for the policy change this summer.

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