OKLAHOMA (KOAM) — Governor Kevin Stitt issued an Executive Order on December 18, directing state agencies to return full-time employees to in-office.
The Governor says the decision is due to the administrations commitment to ensuring efficient government operations as the COVID-19 pandemic no longer necessitates remote work.
“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,” Governor Stitt said. “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.”
Key Provisions of Executive Order 2024-29:
- 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.