SACRAMENTO, Calif — For nearly four years, many California state employees have worked a hybrid model of working from home and in office. However, that'll be coming to an end after Governor Gavin Newsom issued a mandate to return to the office.
Pixang Hong has been hard at work at his brand new restaurant, Sushi Paradise, on K Street.
"Sometimes, it's a little busy. Sometimes, it's too slow," he said.
It's been a struggle for Hong to bring in new customers for the past two months. Alongside manager Andy Li, the duo says they're trying.
"Not a lot of people know about us yet, but the convention did help a little bit," Li said.
With the Capitol just steps from them, Hong and Li are hoping the foot traffic will pick up soon after the governor's mandate for state workers to return the office in June.
"Every little bit helps. But of course, I mean, we want to have all the state workers come back full time. That way, there's a lot more foot traffic," said Li.
Cabinet Secretary Ann Patterson released a letter directing state departments to change their hybrid telework policies to require employees to work in-person at least twice a week, starting June 17. Even with the announcement, Li says he doesn't believe it'll make a huge difference.
"I wouldn't say it's gonna be a big impact, because it's only two days a week. Like I said, I mean most people are going to bring their lunch to work now because it's only two days," Li said.
Assemblymember Josh Hoover (R-Folsom) believes the mandate is a bad idea.
"All signs have really shown that remote work, telework, for state employees has worked very effectively; it is enhanced productivity," said Asm. Hoover.
Hoover also requested an audit of the Department of General Services and Human Resources in reference to the mandate.
"We have reduced traffic congestion. We have made progress towards meeting our climate goals as a state. That is what the governor claims to stand for and believe in. So why are we doing this right now?" he asked.
While the audit is still pending, business owners like Hong and Li say they will welcome state employees with open arms.
"For the next month or two or two months, we could offer all state work at 10% off," Li said.
Asm. Hoover says he hopes the audit will be heard in the next few months. For any employee who needs more than three days to work from home, the cabinet secretary says it should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
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