California departments with return-to-office mandates praised telework in internal surveys

“Hybrid/remote staff generally report that they feel happier, healthier, and safer while performing their daily work,” CalEPA’s response stated. “By embracing the telework and hybrid work model, CalEPA saw an overall increase in staff productivity and efficiency, faster development of policy goals, faster implementation of work product, and better overall employee and program engagement.”

Employees at CalEPA have been especially critical of the impact of commutes on greenhouse gas emissions. The agency itself noted the benefits of keeping workers at home: “As an environmental-based agency, telework supports protecting the environment by reducing emissions and carbon footprint.”

CalHHS’ internal surveys found that telework provided employees with better work-life balance and helped people save money and time commuting. Additionally, since shifting to a telework environment, the agency says it has expanded its reach for both customer service and employee recruitment.

EDD admits that increased in-office work would “likely affect current employee retention and the ability to entice new talent.”

July survey shows telework increased productivity, decreased office space

Out of the 140 responses to the July 2023 “Telework Program Evaluation Survey,” here are some key takeaways:

Productivity: More than 25% of departments (37) indicated employees were more productive after introducing telework. More than half of the departments (71) noted that telework had no influence — negative or positive — on employees productivity.

Office space: More than 45% of responding departments (64) needed less office space as a result of telework. Forty-two departments required the same amount of space after implementing telework as they did before. (In the December survey, CalEPA noted some of its boards, departments and offices saved “upwards of $2.5 million per year” on lease agreements after full telework was introduced.

Change in costs: More than 25% of departments lowered their operating costs through telework. But 16% of departments saw increased costs after implementing telework. Fifty-two departments did not see a change in costs due to telework.