Governor Henry McMaster has issued a new executive order directing the state’s Division of State Human Resources to implement updated telecommuting and remote work policies for state employees. The new rules are intended to provide clarity, consistency, and accountability across all state agencies.
The new policies follow a comprehensive review of remote work and are designed to ensure that telecommuting results in greater efficiency and cost savings, as outlined in state law. According to the order, telecommuting is not a universal employee benefit but is instead a work arrangement that must be approved by individual agency directors.
Key Highlights of New Policies
- Agency Approval: State agencies must have a telecommuting policy and plan approved by State HR before any employee is allowed to work from home.
- Director’s Discretion: The decision to allow an employee to telecommute rests solely with the agency director, even after a plan has been approved.
- Performance-Based: Telecommuting can be revoked for any agency found to be out of compliance with its plan or if remote work is found to negatively affect the quality or quantity of work. An agency can also revoke an individual’s telecommuting ability at any time.
- Leadership On-Site: Agency directors and their executive staff, including deputy directors and other direct reports, are not permitted to telecommute.
- Eligibility Requirements: To be eligible, an employee must have completed one year of satisfactory employment and have no recent unsatisfactory performance reviews or disciplinary actions.
- Two-Day Maximum: Telecommuting is limited to a maximum of two days per week. The policy also prohibits telecommuting on consecutive workdays such as Monday and Tuesday or Thursday and Friday.
The new order provides a clear framework for how state agencies can manage remote work. The directive is aimed at balancing flexibility with the need for a productive and efficient state government.
Sign up for our Sunday Spectator. Delivered to your inbox every Sunday, with all the news from the week.
