In recent months, several Republican-led states have ordered government workers to return to the office full-time.
Despite studies showing remote work is effective, leaders in states like Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin are pushing in-office mandates.
Critics argue these decisions are based on political agendas rather than real data.
Nebraska’s Controversial Return-to-Office Order
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has issued a full-time office mandate for nearly 2,250 state employees who were working remotely or in hybrid roles.
However, this order is tangled in a legal battle over labor contracts, sparking heated debate.
Justin Hubly, executive director of the Nebraska Association of Public Employees, voiced his frustration: “Who cares where our IT developers work, as long as they finish their assignments on time?” He believes the issue has been unnecessarily politicized.
Other States Follow a Similar Path
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has also enforced a return-to-office rule, while Oklahoma’s Governor Kevin Stitt signed an executive order for full-time office work.
In Wisconsin, Republican lawmakers want pre-pandemic office attendance levels, but Democratic Governor Tony Evers has threatened to veto such policies.
Utah Rethinks Its Remote Work Approach
Even states that once supported remote work are reconsidering their policies. Utah’s Governor Spencer Cox, who previously praised telework for saving taxpayer money and improving air quality, is now questioning its effectiveness.
However, many believe remote work is still beneficial when properly managed.
Ignoring Data That Supports Remote Work
Many studies show remote work saves money, reduces office expenses, and improves employee retention.
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management found that telework helped agencies save millions while keeping productivity levels high.
Despite this, several red-state leaders continue to reject remote work, instead focusing on forcing employees back into offices.
Some experts believe these orders are more about cutting government jobs and weakening public-sector unions than improving productivity.
The Negative Impact of Forced Office Mandates
History shows that strict return-to-office policies can have serious consequences. In 2022, President Biden’s federal hybrid work mandate (requiring at least 60% office attendance) caused a significant increase in employee turnover.
A study from the University of Pittsburgh found that after the mandate, senior employee turnover jumped by 26%, while highly skilled workers left at a rate 32% higher than before. These losses hurt government efficiency and institutional knowledge.
Studies Show Remote Work Increases Productivity
Recent research by George Washington University and the London School of Economics found that public sector employees working remotely were 12% more productive than their in-office counterparts.
The study also showed that remote workers had fewer distractions, fewer interruptions, and higher work efficiency.
There was no evidence that remote employees were less accountable. In fact, they completed more work per day without increasing errors.
The study also found that hybrid models—where employees split time between home and office—offer the best balance of productivity and collaboration.
A Smarter Approach to Work Policies
Decisions about public sector work models should be based on facts, not politics. Data from independent studies and the U.S. government prove that remote work improves efficiency, saves money, and helps retain skilled employees.
Past experiences, including Biden’s hybrid mandate, show that even moderate office requirements can disrupt the workforce.
In contrast, flexible work policies have proven successful in many industries and countries.
For example, the European Central Bank recently extended its remote work policy for two more years, citing improved work-life balance and productivity.
Political Moves Over Practical Solutions
Despite clear evidence, some red states continue pushing office mandates, focusing more on political messaging than real workforce needs.
If history is any guide, these policies could lead to higher employee turnover, inefficiency, and unnecessary costs.
For the sake of public service and government efficiency, leaders should follow the data, not political trends, when deciding work policies.
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