Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders ends regular use of remote work for state employees

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has announced new work policies for state executive branch employees.

Sanders announced she is ending the regular use of remote work in state government, starting Oct. 1.

In a letter from Sanders, she explained that the heavy use of remote work was a response to the COVID-19 pandemic but said the state must adapt to new policies. She added that there will always be a place for remote work, but it should not be the norm.

“Five years ago, COVID-19 changed workplaces in Arkansas and around the world,” Sanders said. “At the time, state leaders took measures to respond, but the pandemic is in the rearview mirror. It’s time to leave the inefficient policies implemented five years ago in the past, too.”

The governor also extended government office hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., also announcing flexible and alternative work schedules to allow full coverage of all duties during the new office hours.

Sanders said she is expanding the Infant at Work policy statewide. The policy allows employees with children aged 4 weeks to 6 months to bring their child to work with approval from the employee’s supervisor.