State Workers Are Out of Time on RTO. It May Create New IT Opportunities

The yearslong saga of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s return-to-office push has been one fraught with stops and starts, but now the long-delayed deadline is nearly here.

The July 1 return to state offices has union officials warning of a potential exodus unless lawmakers step in and stop it. There’s certainly support for AB 1729, as it has sailed through every hearing with only a handful of no votes. That legislation, which would take effect immediately upon becoming law, would allow departments more autonomy around telework plans, especially where cost savings, workforce and operational needs were concerned. The bill would also establish a means of tracking data around telework across state government.

During the unveiling of his May budget revise, the governor spoke about the importance of being together and collaborating, but consensus seems to be that state employees would rather not pay hefty sums for transportation and downtown parking just to sit in a cubicle in a government building.

As with any major decision the state makes, RTO is bound to make some technology ripples that will extend out to the private sector. Sources Industry Insider — California has talked to recently are looking ahead to the potential needs that come with the return. That could include everything from enough office space to enough bandwidth to support the sudden uptick in demands on established and temporary networks. Think network hardware and stability for the descending throngs, identity and access management, remote-to-on-site cybersecurity support, temporary and permanent communications and collaboration tools, etc.

The kinks that have not been ironed out in advance of butts in chairs will quickly need to be, which will create opportunities for the bold souls in the private sector. Just keep those eyes on the horizon.