News Summary
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee is assessing the state’s remote and hybrid work policies for employees in light of federal mandates for in-office work. With over 2,200 state employees currently on flexible work agreements, the review comes as agencies show varying degrees of in-office attendance. Transition timelines and operational costs associated with maintaining physical office spaces also add to the complexity of this decision, highlighting the ongoing discussions over employee work structures and financial implications for taxpayers.
Providence, Rhode Island
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee is currently reviewing the state’s remote and hybrid work policies for state employees. This initiative comes in the wake of President Donald Trump’s directive mandating that federal workers return to in-office work. The decisions made now could affect over 2,200 state employees who have entered into remote or hybrid work agreements since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The extent of in-office attendance among different state agencies varies widely. The Department of Corrections and the Department of Education have completed their transitions back to full in-person work, with 100% of their staff now back in the office. Conversely, Governor McKee’s office has only one employee out of 44 with a formal hybrid work schedule. This disparity reflects a broader trend observed across various state departments.
Among the departments, the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), Department of Health, and Department of Labor and Training (DLT) exhibit a significant number of staff working under hybrid or remote arrangements, with over 60% of their employees engaged in such work styles. The DLT stands out with the highest percentage, where 75% of its 404 employees—totaling 303 individuals—are under hybrid agreements, with a requirement to be present in the office at least three days a week; only two are on a fully remote schedule.
A spokesperson for the DLT noted that hybrid agreements often cater to exceptional circumstances, such as inclement weather, emphasizing the flexibility needed in today’s work environment. While some state representatives express reservations regarding productivity and efficiency in remote or hybrid models, as highlighted by House Minority Leader Mike Chippendale, others argue that such arrangements could enhance focus and job satisfaction, emphasizing that effectiveness is influenced by specific job roles and personal preferences.
In light of the federal government’s recent mandate for a return to in-office work, it remains uncertain if state governments will adopt similar policies. A 2021 report from the Office of Personnel Management suggested that flexible work arrangements could improve recruitment, which impacts the ongoing discussions regarding employee work structures in Rhode Island.
Taxpayers are shouldering considerable heating costs for state office buildings during this period, with $19,000 incurred for the Department of Administration and $16,000 for the Department of Health just between November and December of the previous year. Despite many state employees working remotely or under hybrid schedules, these operational costs continue to rise.
The DCYF has been noted for its significant building lease expenditures, totaling over $2 million annually, while a large proportion of its workforce operates remotely or under hybrid agreements. It further highlights the financial strain on state resources while reviewing the necessity of physical locations for government functions.
Detailed employment arrangements across various departments reveal varying degrees of flexibility. The Department of Revenue, which employs 506 individuals, has only 24 on hybrid schedules. The Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals lists 104 employees with hybrid agreements and an additional four on remote work arrangements from a total of 980 staff members. The Department of Human Services currently approves telework for 300 employees until the end of March, demonstrating a widespread interest in flexible work solutions.
The Attorney General’s Office accommodates just two primarily remote employees, while an additional 48 have hybrid agreements. In contrast, the Rhode Island Department of Health only permits hybrid schedules to employees with strong performance and tenure. Furthermore, the Department of Transportation notes 11% of its employees benefit from hybrid agreements, while the Secretary of State’s office reflects a low adoption rate, with only two employees working under hybrid conditions due to the public-facing nature of their roles.
Continuing to review current remote work policies demonstrates the state’s adaptability and the ongoing considerations regarding workforce management in light of new federal mandates, as Governor McKee’s office emphasizes the essential role such arrangements have played in ensuring effective government operations over the past years.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Turn to 10 News
- Providence Journal
- GoLocalProv
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Remote Work
- Google Search: Rhode Island Hybrid Work Policies
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
