For my fellow state employees and I, the shift to a hybrid work schedule amid challenging times has been a unique blessing. It has boosted our productivity and greatly aided us in finding a much-needed work-life balance, especially in a job that is consistently underpaid, under-staffed, and witnessing diminishing benefits. Our choice to work for the state was deeply rooted in the promises of safety, stability, and comfort, and forcing us to revert to full-time office jobs compromises these very promises.

Furthermore, compelling employees to commute daily would only lead to added expenses and increased emissions, detrimentally impacting both our personal lives and our environment. A 2020 study indeed showed that remote working can reduce work-related CO2 emissions by up to 24%.

The Office of Personnel Management reports that enabled teleworking is linked to improved job performance and reduced absenteeism. Reducing telework opportunities might not only affect our individual performance rates but could also bring irreversible harm to the overall efficiency of state operations.

Your support can help us retain the hybrid schedules and protect both our rights and environment. Please sign the petition now and help preserve the balance we have attained.