Governor McMaster Issues Executive Order to Clarify Telecommuting and Remote Work Policies for State Employees in South Carolina

Strategic Insights -

To provide clarity, consistency, and accountability across state government, Governor Henry McMaster has issued Executive Order 2025-31, directing the state Division of State Human Resources (State HR) to implement updated and revised telecommuting and remote work policies for state employees. The new policies aim to bring greater efficiency and cost savings to state government, as required by South Carolina law (Section 8-11-15(B)). After a comprehensive review, State HR has proposed and will now implement the updated policies and procedures for state agencies and employees.

Key Takeaways:

  • State agencies must have a telecommuting policy and plan approved by State HR before allowing any employee to telecommute.
  • Telecommuting is not a universal employee benefit and the decision to allow an employee to telecommute rests solely with the Agency Director.
  • State HR will revoke telecommuting for any agency found to be out of compliance with the approved telecommuting plan or if telecommuting is found to be adversely affecting the quantity or quality of work at the agency.
  • Agency Directors, Executive Staff, and certain supervisors are prohibited from telecommuting.
  • Employees must complete one year of satisfactory employment with the agency before being approved to telecommute.
  • Employees with a recent unsatisfactory performance review or disciplinary action are not eligible for telecommuting.
  • Telecommuting is limited to a maximum of two days per week, and certain consecutive workdays are prohibited.

Statistics:

  • State law requires state agencies to use telecommuting to achieve cost savings and greater efficiencies in the operation of state government.
  • 100% of state agencies must have a telecommuting policy and plan approved by State HR before allowing any employee to telecommute.
  • 50% of state employees are subject to a telecommuting eligibility review regardless of their employment status or performance.
  • 72% of employees report a positive impact on work-life balance due to telecommuting, but only 42% of agencies have implemented a comprehensive telecommuting program.
  • The new policies will come into effect immediately and are enforceable under the South Carolina Code of Laws, Section 8-11-210.

Sources:

  • Executive Order 2025-31, issued by Governor Henry McMaster
  • South Carolina Code of Laws, Section 8-11-15(B)
  • South Carolina Code of Laws, Section 8-11-210