January 15, 2025 -- Please attribute the following statement to Mayor John Whitmire.
HOUSTON - All City of Houston employees will transition full-time to their assigned offices beginning Monday, Feb. 1, 2025.
Today, in a memo sent to all departmental directors, Mayor John Whitmire rescinded the City's administrative policy, A.P. 3-36, "Hybrid-Telework Program." All employees will return to their office workstations unless a formally approved exception or accommodation exists.
"We are all public servants, and each employee plays a vital role in ensuring our municipal government operates efficiently and prioritizes the needs of our constituents. The best way to serve the public is to work together in the office, enhancing collaboration and making the City of Houston more effective as we tackle significant challenges," said Mayor Whitmire.
This policy change will impact approximately 1,600 of our 22,000 workers. Hybrid and work-from-home schedules were implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure the safety and well-being of our employees while maintaining municipal operations.
"My administration looks forward to the return of all city employees to the office. In-person collaboration fosters teamwork, innovation, and accountability, allowing us to deliver on our promises," said Mayor Whitmire. "We are committed to working together to eliminate waste, fraud, duplication, and corruption and to align with my vision and priorities to serve Houstonians."