CA Sick Leave Policy
California State Workers Can Work From Home While Sick Under RTO Policy
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California state workers can work from home if they get sick — even under the state's new return-to-office mandate. According to Sacramento Bee, workers must use sick leave to cover any in-office day they miss due to illness. They do not have to make up that in-person day later.
The rule applies whether a worker is caring for themselves or a sick family member. California Department of Human Resources spokesperson Angela Musallam confirmed the policy. It offers some flexibility to workers adjusting to the new in-office requirements.
How the RTO Sick Day Rule Actually Works
Under California's return-to-office policy, workers are not forced back to their desks when they are ill. If a worker falls sick on a scheduled in-office day, they can stay home. They just need to use sick leave to cover that day, according to Fresno Bee.
The key detail: workers do not owe an extra in-person day to make up for the one they missed. The missed day is simply counted as sick leave and dropped from the schedule. No swap. No penalty.
California's Return-to-Office Mandate Explained
California launched its return-to-office mandate during the COVID-19 pandemic recovery period. The policy requires state workers to spend a set number of days each week working in person. The exact number of in-office days can vary by department and job role.
The mandate affects hundreds of thousands of state employees across California. Many had been working fully remote during the pandemic. The shift back to in-person work has sparked pushback from workers and their unions, according to Modesto Bee.
State's Largest Union Pushes Back on In-Office Rules
SEIU Local 1000, California's largest state employee union, has been vocal in opposing the RTO mandate. The union is calling for 100% remote work for all employees whose jobs can be done from home. It is also demanding free parking for workers who must come in person, according to San Luis Obispo Tribune.
The union's contract with the state expired in June. Negotiations are still ongoing. The outcome of those talks could shape how the RTO policy looks going forward — including how sick days and remote work are handled long-term.
What State Workers Should Know Right Now
If you are a California state worker, the bottom line is simple: getting sick does not mean you must come to the office. Stay home, use your sick leave, and you will not be penalized for missing your in-office day. No makeup day is required, Sacramento Bee confirmed.
Workers caring for a sick child or family member fall under the same rule. Sick leave covers those absences too. As union negotiations continue, workers should watch for updates that could change remote work rules beyond just sick days.
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