Supporting Your Transition Back to the Office – Updated for 2026
The governor issued an executive order that required state employees to return to the office at least four days per week. Originally taking effect by July 1, 2025, it has been postponed to July 1, 2026. This list of state employee benefits and resources can help you prepare.
To support employees during this transition, the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) created new permitting events for the FlexElect Dependent Care Reimbursement Account (DCRA) Program. The new permitting events will become effective on July 1, 2026. Eligible employees will be able to utilize the new permitting events beginning the date their department returns to office. The eligibility period will be within 60 days of their department’s return to office date.
Explore each section below to find resources that help you prepare ahead, settle back into the office and stay connected to the support available to you. Additionally, please review the Return to Office FAQs to find answers to common questions about returning to the office, workplace expectations and available employee resources.
1. Preparing Ahead of Time
Commuting and Transportation
- Explore the Bicycle, Mass Transit and Vanpool Commute Programs. These incentives support your commute.
- Review the Department of General Services (DGS) state employee parking and transportation map. If possible, register early to secure your parking spot.
- Check your department’s commute guidance. This includes subsidized rates and online parking lotteries for drivers in downtown Sacramento.
- You may not have access to state parking spaces or a department-sponsored parking program. If so, contact your departmental personnel office to learn about the Pre-Tax Parking Reimbursement Account Program.
Childcare Resources and Cost Savings
- The Dependent Care Reimbursement Account allows employees to set aside money to pay for qualifying dependent care expenses, such as childcare, elder care and care for a disabled dependent. Learn more at FlexElect Reimbursement Account – CalHR Benefits Website.
- The Employee Assistance Program (Whole You, powered by Spring Health) supports you across the caregiving spectrum, from childcare to caring for aging family members. Explore Work-Life Services to support with finding childcare, elder care and other resources for work-life demands, including:
- Care for mildly ill children
- Emergency back-up care
- Summer volunteering opportunities for teens
- Play groups for parents and infants/toddlers
- Preschools and Montessori schools
- Prenatal care resources
- In-home caregivers
- Financial guidance
- Testing and assessment resources
- Education programs
- Schools for exceptional children
- Residential programs
- Elder care resources and referrals
- In-home care and caregiver support for aging loved ones
- Assisted living and residential care resources
- Adult day care programs
- Resources for navigating caregiving responsibilities
- In addition, Whole You, your EAP, powered by Spring Health, connects you with helpful resources to support you and your family through every stage of life. Whether you are raising young children, navigating the teen years, exploring adoption or caring for an aging loved one, support is available. Find guidance and referrals for childcare, education, parenting, elder care, in-home caregiving, residential care and other resources that can make managing life’s caregiving responsibilities a little easier.
Leave Benefits and Scheduling
- Review available leave benefits and flexible work arrangements with your supervisor. This can help you plan your return.
Health and Wellbeing
- Contact your health, dental and vision plans to find providers near your workplace.
- Schedule annual checkups and preventive exams for yourself and your family. This helps to prioritize their wellbeing during the RTO transition.
Training Opportunities
- Register for change management and wellbeing classes through CalLearns. Courses include:
- Blueprint for a Changing Workplace
- Coping with Change
- Effectively Managing Disability Related & Religious Reasonable Accommodations (for RA Coordinators and EEO Audience)
- Empathetic Leadership
- Interpersonal Skills
- Organizing and Prioritizing for Success
- Refreshing your Skills as a Leader
- Stress Management
2. Once You’re Back in the Office
Return to Office Information
- Review the Return to Office FAQs. Find answers to common questions about returning to the office, workplace expectations and available employee resources.
Employee Wellbeing and Support
- Connect with your Employee Assistance Program (Whole You, powered by Spring Health) for confidential therapy and wellbeing coaching to help manage stress, navigate workplace changes and support your overall wellbeing.
Employee Engagement and Workplace Culture
- Explore the Statewide Engagement Program (You Matter). They provide tools to boost employee engagement and morale. Supervisors and managers can find additional benefits resources.
- Review the DEIA Psychological Safety Guide. Find ideas to create an inclusive, supportive workplace environment.
- Join on-site social or professional development events to build stronger workplace relationships.
Health and Safety
- Ask your supervisor or departmental personnel office to schedule an ergonomic workstation assessment.
- Stay informed about any on-site safety protocols and resources offered by your department.
3. Stay Informed and Get Support
- Annual Open Enrollment: Update your benefits during Open Enrollment (September 14 – October 9). Make sure your benefits meet your family’s needs. Changes made during this period take effect Jan. 1, 2027.
- For questions or assistance: Contact your departmental personnel office. Also, check department’s communications and intranet pages for specific guidance.
- Bookmark this page and check back often for updates.
