South Carolina Implements New Remote Work Policies for State Employees

In a decisive move to bring uniformity to state employment practices, Governor Henry McMaster has issued Executive Order 2025-31, mandating the Division of State Human Resources (State HR) to establish updated telecommuting policies for state employees.

 

State law permits agencies to utilize alternative work locations, including telecommuting, to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. However, the absence of standardized guidelines has led to inconsistencies across departments.

 

Following a comprehensive review earlier this year, State HR is set to implement new procedures to ensure clarity and accountability in remote work arrangements.

 

Key aspects of the new policies include:

 

Mandatory Telecommuting Plans: Agencies must have a telecommuting policy approved by State HR before allowing employees to work remotely.

 

Discretionary Approval: Telecommuting is not an automatic benefit; the decision rests solely with the Agency Director.

 

Compliance Enforcement: State HR will revoke telecommuting privileges for agencies not adhering to approved plans or if remote work negatively impacts performance.

 

Revocation Rights: Agencies can revoke an employee's telecommuting status at any time, with such decisions not subject to grievance procedures.

 

Exclusion of Executive Staff: Agency Directors and their executive teams are prohibited from telecommuting.

 

Eligibility Criteria: Employees must complete one year of satisfactory service and have no recent disciplinary actions to qualify for telecommuting.

 

Limitations on Remote Work: Telecommuting is capped at two days per week, with specific consecutive day combinations prohibited.

 

Governor McMaster emphasized that these policies are designed to achieve cost savings and greater efficiencies in state operations, not to accommodate personal preferences.

 

These measures reflect South Carolina's commitment to optimizing government operations while maintaining flexibility for its workforce.