Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order requiring all agencies and departments within his Administration to update their hybrid telework policies to a default of at least four days per week by July 1, 2025. The order establishes a four-day-per-week in-office expectation, with further telework flexibilities granted on a case-by-case basis in light of individual circumstances, consistent with the executive order and existing family-friendly employment policies and legal obligations.

To further enhance the state’s workforce needs, the Governor is also directing CalHR to streamline the hiring process for former federal employees seeking employment in key roles, including firefighting, forest management, and weather forecasting. According to the Governor’s press release, this executive order reinforces California’s commitment to operational efficiency and high-quality public service.

Key directives in the executive order:

– – State agencies offering a hybrid telework policy will implement a default of four in-office days per week beginning July 1, 2025, allowing for case-by-case telework exceptions consistent with the executive order. CalHR will issue statewide guidance on appropriate exceptions that will address, among other topics, employees whose positions require telework and employees who do not live near their duty stations and were hired with a mutually agreed-upon telework arrangement.
– – State agencies and departments must develop plans to accommodate the increase in in-person work, including with respect to workplace facilities and employee transportation options.
– – The Government Operations Agency, the Department of General Services, and CalHR, will support agencies and departments in implementing the order.
– – CalHR will promptly notify impacted bargaining units.
– – CalHR will identify job openings that align with the skills of former federal employees, particularly in firefighting, weather forecasting and modeling, natural resource management, medical and mental health care, and the sciences.

California employs more than 224,000 full-time state workers who provide critical public services, more than half of whom already report in-person to work every day, including peace officers, health care workers, maintenance workers, and safety inspectors.

With federal workforce reductions, California is strategically recruiting experienced professionals to fill key job openings in firefighting, extreme weather forecasting, climate resilience, and water management roles — ensuring the state remains prepared for natural disasters and environmental challenges — in addition to other critical fields such as medical and mental health care.