As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, state employees who have been working from home are now being called back to their offices by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. In an executive order issued on March 17, DeWine mandated that state employees return to their regular workspaces, signaling a shift towards a more traditional work environment.
During the height of the pandemic, many state employees were able to transition to remote work in order to adhere to social distancing guidelines and reduce the spread of the virus. However, DeWine noted that certain essential workers, such as those in state hospitals, prisons, and the highway patrol, were unable to perform their duties remotely. As the situation has improved and vaccination rates have increased, DeWine believes it is time for state employees to resume their normal work routines.
While there are some limited exceptions to the return-to-office mandate, DeWine emphasized that department and agency leaders should make every effort to bring employees back to the office. Situations where state office space has been leased and no longer exists will be handled on a case-by-case basis. DeWine also stated that employees with unique job requirements or urgent reasons to continue working remotely may be granted exceptions.
The decision to bring state employees back to the office has been met with approval from local business leaders, such as Derrick Clay, president of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. Clay sees this as a positive step towards revitalizing the economic vitality of the region. Having workers back in their offices not only boosts productivity but also generates economic activity in the surrounding areas.
According to Clay, having state employees in their offices creates foot traffic that benefits local businesses, such as restaurants and coffee shops. This increased foot traffic supports the local economy and helps businesses thrive. DeWine echoed this sentiment, noting that more private sector businesses are also transitioning back to in-person work, further emphasizing the importance of returning to the office.
Overall, the return-to-office mandate for state employees marks a significant shift in the way work is conducted in Ohio. As the state continues to navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic, DeWine’s decision reflects a broader trend towards returning to a sense of normalcy and reinvigorating the local economy. By bringing state employees back to their offices, Ohio is taking a proactive step towards rebuilding and strengthening its workforce.
