• California's return-to-office mandates have spurred a surge in state worker applications for local government jobs.
• Increased applications for county jobs in the greater Sacramento region rose sharply this year, with resume submissions up an average of 20% year over year.
• Local governments are leveraging telework policies and benefits packages to attract state and federal employees seeking work-life balance.

California's state employees are experiencing a shift in their career paths as return-to-office mandates take effect. Faced with the loss of remote work flexibility, many are seeking employment with local municipalities in the Sacramento region. This transition is driven by the desire to maintain work-life balance, community ties, and the benefits offered by local government positions. This trend is coinciding with a silver tsunami as baby boomers retire creating job vacancies across local municipalities.

• What: California state employees are increasingly applying for jobs with local municipalities due to return-to-office mandates.
• Who: Affected state employees, local government recruiters, Sacramento County, Placer County, Yolo County, El Dorado County, City of Sacramento, CalTrans employees.
• When: The trend started after Cabinet Secretary Ann Patterson's April 2024 order and Gov. Gavin Newsom's March executive order requiring return to office. Application jumps were noted in March 2024.
• Where: Primarily in the Sacramento region, including Sacramento County, Placer County, Yolo County and El Dorado County.

The return-to-office mandates in California are having a significant impact on state employees, particularly those who had established remote work arrangements. The increase in applications for local government jobs suggests that flexibility and work-life balance are highly valued by these workers. Local municipalities are capitalizing on this trend by highlighting telework policies and other benefits, potentially leading to a shift in talent from state to local government. The 'silver tsunami' coupled with return-to-office mandates has created both an opportunity for state workers and challenge for local governments.

It’s totally heartbreaking.

I don’t want to be killing myself just to live.

My life has come full circle, and I’m finally where I’m supposed to be... And to have this arbitrary executive order tear that apart really sucks.

California's return-to-office mandates are reshaping the state's employment landscape, with a notable increase in state workers seeking opportunities in local government. This trend reflects a desire for greater work-life balance and flexible work arrangements. As local municipalities continue to offer attractive benefits and telework options, this shift in talent may persist, creating both opportunities and challenges for state and local government entities. The long-term effects of these policies on state workforce and public services remain to be seen.