AUSTIN, Texas — State agency leaders in Texas are mandating employees to return to the office.
Gov. Greg Abbott sent a directive to state agencies, demanding an end to remote work policies.
In an email obtained by KVUE, state employees received this message:
“Good afternoon everyone,
State agencies were notified today of the Governor’s expectation that employees be in the office full time, as soon as practicable, in accordance with state law.
I met with our DEDs and Directors a few minutes ago and shared this information and took questions. Today we do not have the answers to all those questions, but we are sharing what we know and in the coming days and weeks we will have more answers to more specific questions.
I have asked Deputy Directors to begin reporting to the office full time on March 17, 2025. All other Austin-based staff will begin reporting full time by March 31, 2025. Staff who have an established workstation in our Houston or Fort Worth offices will also report full time effective March 31….”
The Texas Tribune reported Abbott’s directive ordered an end to remote work policies as some agencies downsized offices to save money, which means some may not have the space to bring workers back into buildings.
Abbott’s push mandating a return to the office mirrors similar efforts taken by President Donald Trump, who issued an executive order on his first day back in office requiring federal workers to return to onsite work.