Little Rock, Arkansas – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has unveiled a new set of work policies for Arkansas executive branch employees as part of her Arkansas Forward initiative, signaling a shift away from the remote work practices that have become common over the past five years. The announcement, made on Monday, outlines significant changes in office expectations, meeting practices, office hours, and family-friendly policies across all state agencies.
In a letter to state employees, Governor Sanders framed the changes as a continuation of her administration’s efforts to improve efficiency and accountability while saving taxpayer dollars. “Over the past two-and-a-half years, my administration has worked hard to build a state government that serves our citizens efficiently while saving taxpayer dollars,” Sanders wrote. “That effort, called Arkansas Forward, was what led to a new state employee pay plan, bringing employee salaries in line with those of your private sector counterparts and delivering raises to two-thirds of our workforce. Arkansas Forward also identified at least $300 million in cost savings and avoidance throughout state government. Today, we are announcing the newest initiative from Arkansas Forward: revised work policies for all state agencies.”
One of the most notable changes is the formal end to the regular use of remote work, which will take effect on October 1, 2025. While technology will still be used to support employees during emergencies, Governor Sanders emphasized that state employees perform their best work when collaborating face-to-face. “Modern technology is excellent and gives us great flexibility during emergencies, but state employees serve our citizens best when they collaborate in person,” Sanders wrote. “Similarly, we will encourage in-person meetings instead of virtual meetings to foster clearer communication and face-to-face interaction. There will always be a place for remote work and virtual meetings, but they cannot be the norm.”
The new policies also extend standard office hours from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and introduce standardized Flexible and Alternative work schedules. These schedules are designed to ensure full coverage of duties while allowing departments to adjust workflows to meet operational needs. The move is intended to create consistency for citizens interacting with state offices and improve overall efficiency.
Governor Sanders also announced the expansion of the Infant at Work policy, previously piloted in the Governor’s Office and the Arkansas Department of Human Services, to all feasible state agencies. The policy allows employees with children between 4 weeks and 6 months old to bring their infants to work with supervisor approval. Sanders, a working mother herself, highlighted the importance of supporting employees during the earliest months of parenthood. “As a working mom, I know how important a child’s earliest months are for bonding and education. Working moms and dads are a critical component of our workforce, and I want to make sure we provide additional options for families to have flexibility and not have to choose between staying home with their infant or returning to work,” she said.
The announcement also comes as part of a broader effort to move beyond pandemic-era policies that were initially designed as temporary solutions. Governor Sanders referenced the changes brought on by COVID-19, noting that they are no longer necessary. “Five years ago, COVID-19 changed workplaces in Arkansas and around the world. At the time, state leaders took measures to respond, but the pandemic is in the rearview mirror. It’s time to leave the inefficient policies implemented five years ago in the past, too,” Sanders wrote.
State employees will now be expected to embrace a culture that prioritizes collaboration, accountability, and accessibility. The combination of extended office hours, flexible scheduling, and new family-friendly policies aims to balance operational efficiency with workforce satisfaction. Officials believe that in-person collaboration, paired with modern technological support, will enhance service delivery to the people of Arkansas.
While the removal of routine remote work may require adjustments for employees who have grown accustomed to flexible home arrangements, the administration has stressed that the changes are designed to serve both the public and employees effectively. With these policies, Arkansas is aiming to foster a responsive, efficient, and family-conscious government workplace.
Governor Sanders concluded her letter by emphasizing the importance of public service and the collective responsibility of state employees to deliver for Arkansas citizens. “We all entered public service because we care about the people of this state. I know all of you work hard to deliver for our citizens – but that doesn’t mean we can’t look for ways to improve our best practices. With these new policies, we’ll be able to build the responsive, efficient government our people want and deserve,” she wrote.
The rollout of these policies marks a new chapter in Arkansas state employment, one that blends accountability, in-person engagement, and support for working parents, signaling the administration’s commitment to evolving state government operations for the future.
