Audit Slams Newsom’s Return-To-Office Order As Data-Free And Costly

Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered state workers back to the office without data to justify the move, a state audit says.

Requested by lawmakers after Newsom’s 2024 mandate for two in-office days a week, the audit found his office ignored productivity metrics, space needs, and cost analyses. Auditor Grant Parks said keeping a two-day office schedule could save up to $225 million a year and cut state office space by a third.

Newsom later pushed for four in-office days but scaled back in union contracts. The report criticized the “one-size-fits-all” approach and urged lawmakers to expand telework where possible.

Newsom’s office dismissed the findings as incomplete and unscientific.

Critics of the governor’s directive argue that forcing workers back into state buildings undermines the flexibility gains realized during the pandemic. Telework had allowed agencies to recruit talent statewide, reduce commute-related pollution, and save millions in overhead. By disregarding these benefits, the state risks alienating employees and overlooking opportunities for efficiency.

Labor representatives also noted that many state buildings remain underutilized, with entire floors sitting empty on most days. Maintaining and staffing these facilities without clear justification is seen as wasteful. Some lawmakers are now calling for pilot programs that would test hybrid work models tailored to specific departments rather than applying blanket rules.

In addition to cost and productivity concerns, the audit hinted at secondary impacts. For example, more employees returning to state buildings could increase operational expenses, including utilities, security, and office cleaning services. These recurring costs add up, especially when agencies struggle to demonstrate that in-office work produces better results.

Going forward, lawmakers face the challenge of balancing worker satisfaction with fiscal responsibility. The debate over telework is expected to intensify in next year’s budget negotiations, with advocates pushing for data-driven policies that measure actual outcomes rather than relying on tradition or political preference.