Gov. Youngkin Orders End To Remote Work For Most State Employees

RICHMOND, VA — Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin is ending a remote work option for state employees, a move that will bring government workers back to the office by July 5.

The governor announced the change in pandemic-related work policy Thursday night, saying he was updating the telework policy for state government employees “for the first time in more than a decade.”

“After listening to the needs of Virginians, discussing solutions with agency heads across government, and closely monitoring the pandemic, we are excited to welcome our employees in person this summer,” Youngkin said in a statement Thursday.

Some state government positions may be eligible for telework based on the type of work and job requirements. But those employees will need to apply to telework.

A state agency head will need to approve an application where an employee requests one or more days a week as telework days.

“Since day one, my commitment to have a best-in-class government serving all Virginians has been clear, these updates balance the demands of government services with the needs of our public servants,” Youngkin said.

Critics of the policy change are concerned it could lead to difficulties in keeping top-tier employees and attracting new employees to state government. Private sector companies are currently attracting new employees with 100-percent telework offers.

County and city governments in Northern Virginia have spent considerable time and effort over the past two years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to build a system that allows employees to work remotely when possible. Given the investment in these new processes, it is unlikely that local jurisdictions will follow Youngkin's lead in mandating a return to the office this summer for all employees who do not apply for telework.

The deadline for state government employees to file an application to telework one or more days a week is May 20. All applications will be reviewed by June 3. Youngkin's office did not provide any details on what criteria workers would need to meet to qualify for working remotely one or more days a week.

"We know that creative, innovative, and effective solutions for all Virginians occur with regular, in-person interaction by our incredible workforce here in the Commonwealth," Youngkin said in a statement.