For many of us working as state employees, the prospect of a compulsory return to office poses significant challenges. This scenario threatens not only our safety in light of the ongoing pandemic but also disrupts the delicate work-life balance we have managed to maintain. It will also add enrichment to the state's financial burden and squander the time we've learned to utilize effectively, working remotely.

Approximately $4,000 per year per employee could be saved on office-related costs when telecommuting is embraced, adding up to extensive savings across all state employees (Global Workplace Analytics). Also, employees returning to work might spend up to an additional 225 hours commuting each year (Texas A&M Transportation Institute).

Nothing beats the convenience and safety of staying home during this period. The commute imposes additional financial burdens and places us at risk in terms of transportation safety. The comprehensive adoption of remote work has demonstrated that productivity does not solely exist within the confines of an office building. Remote work allows for flexibility, saving both time and money.

The American Community Survey shows that the average American commute is 25.4 minutes, resulting in approximately an hour per day or 24.6 annual workdays traveling to and from work (Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2019). If safety is indeed a major concern, then our welfare as state employees should be prioritized over geographical work location.

Many state employees have young children some in school. Employees will be applying for childcare assistance through the state to get children to and from school further costing the state; $4,264 State spending per child enrolled (2018–2019). The cost of care in Oklahoma remains a hurdle for many parents who wish to enter or remain in the workforce. Limited access to high-quality, affordable child care presents an additional challenge for working families.

Keeping state employees working from home is not merely convenient—it's a strategic decision that prioritizes our health, our work-life balance, and our ability to effectively contribute to the mission of our various departments without incurring unnecessary costs or risks.

We recognize the importance of face-to-face interaction, but we also believe that a flexible policy accommodating remote work along with occasional on-site meetings would be more appropriate and beneficial to all.

In light of these concerns, we passionately plead with our state leaders to reconsider the mandatory return-to-office order. We ask for policies that allow those who can effectively telecommute to continue to do so, prioritizing public health, employee well-being, and fiscal responsibility. Please sign this petition to support flexibility for state employees and a halt to the blanket return-to-office mandate.