NJ State and Judiciary Workers Demand a Permanent Telework Policy

The COVID-19 pandemic revolutionized the workplace by widely introducing remote work. Companies and state offices that were once fully in-person were forced to transition to a digital workspace that ushered in new technology, higher rates of productivity, and greater worker satisfaction. As we began to move back to in-person work, the private sector largely held on to remote work as an option, offering hybrid positions or even continuing fully remote positions. If New Jersey wants to keep up, it needs to establish a permanent telework policy for all state and judiciary workers. 

We surveyed over 1,200 state and judiciary workers to gather their perspectives on telework. The overwhelming majority, 97%, said they support a permanent telework policy, and 98% said they were more or equally productive when working remotely. Our member and state worker Magda of DEP shared that remote work has made it easier to do her job because of how it has helped to integrate technology, “It is actually easier to meet virtually, even when in-person, to share screens, interact with each other, diagnose programming issues, and work together as a team.” 

Telework has also helped foster a better work/life balance. For parents, the time gained back from not having to commute is a game changer, “On my telework days I essentially get 2 hours of commute time back that I can use to focus on my family… I am definitely a better dad and husband because of telework,” Justin of Agriculture. Others say gaining back commute time gives them the ability to focus on themselves and feel healthier, “Without the commute 2 days a week, I am able to head to the gym before work. I also have more time to prepare healthy meals... All of these healthy habits have helped me to lose 50 pounds over the last year. I contribute my new healthy lifestyle to the remote work program,” Catherine of DHS. 

For many state and judiciary workers, a permanent telework policy is what would keep them in their jobs long term, with 74% claiming they’d consider leaving the public sector if remote work was no longer an available option. Given NJ’s recent struggles with retention and recruitment for state positions, a permanent telework policy creates an additional incentive for people to join the state and judiciary workforce, and an incentive for current young talent to stick around: “Telework has made working for the State more enjoyable. It is one of the benefits that helps me justify continuing to work here, possibly until I retire in 25 years,” Clare of DEP. 

We trusted our state and judiciary workers to keep New Jersey running during an international crisis, and they proved they were up to the task. It’s time to catch up to the private sector while doing right by the workers who kept us all afloat in our time of need. State and judiciary workers deserve a permanent telework policy now.