COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — State employees in Ohio working remotely will have to return to the office under an executive order signed Tuesday by Gov. Mike DeWine.
The order requires state agencies, boards and commissions to have any remote workers return to the office five days a week by March 17. The Department of Administrative Services can grant exceptions if they deem it necessary.
It’s been nearly five years since DeWine declared a state of emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, permitting state employees to work remotely. After the state of emergency was lifted on June 18, 2021, some state workers continued working remotely or hybrid.
“It is now in the best interest of the citizens of Ohio for State of Ohio employees to complete a return to a physical office or facility to best serve the public and maximize the use of state-owned assets and facilities,” DeWine wrote.
The order comes shortly after President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Inauguration Day to make federal employees work in-person full time.