Gov. Kevin Stitt issued an executive order that will require full-time state employees to return to in-office work by February. >> Get the latest news stories of interest by clicking here.The executive order directs state agencies to return full-time employees to in-office work environments by Feb. 1. A news release states that the decision "reflects the administration's commitment to ensuring efficient government operations and accountability to taxpayers as the COVID-19 pandemic no longer necessitates remote work accommodations.""COVID altered the way we did business for a time, but that time has passed. Now, we need to put stewardship of taxpayer dollars as our top priority," Stitt said in the news release. "Oklahomans deserve a government that operates with full accountability and delivers services effectively. Returning to traditional work environments is a critical step in achieving that goal." >> Download the KOCO 5 AppStitt's executive order calls for the following: Return to Office Deadline: All full-time state employees are required to perform their duties in their assigned office, facility, or field location by February 1, 2025.Limited Exceptions: Agency executives may approve exceptions for: Employees with non-standard work hours (e.g., evenings, weekends, holidays), roles where in-office employment is deemed unreasonable, and agencies facing office space constraints that would require additional expenditures to accommodate employees.Transparency and Accountability: Agencies utilizing exceptions must report details to the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES), including employee job descriptions and anticipated return dates. Quarterly reports on remote or hybrid workforce composition will be submitted to OMES starting March 31, 2025.Click here to read the executive order. Top Headlines Oklahoma death row inmate Kevin Underwood set to be executed Thursday Video: Woman trying to track down family in Christmas home video tape discovered in VCR from Goodwill Chanel, Gucci and more: Harrah boutique owner arrested for selling fake luxury brand products Crews battle second house fire in a matter of minutes in Moore neighborhood OSBI identifies victims in apparent killing spree that spanned multiple counties: What we know
Gov. Kevin Stitt issued an executive order that will require full-time state employees to return to in-office work by February.
>> Get the latest news stories of interest by clicking here.
The executive order directs state agencies to return full-time employees to in-office work environments by Feb. 1. A news release states that the decision "reflects the administration's commitment to ensuring efficient government operations and accountability to taxpayers as the COVID-19 pandemic no longer necessitates remote work accommodations."
"COVID altered the way we did business for a time, but that time has passed. Now, we need to put stewardship of taxpayer dollars as our top priority," Stitt said in the news release. "Oklahomans deserve a government that operates with full accountability and delivers services effectively. Returning to traditional work environments is a critical step in achieving that goal."