State employment: reduced worktime.
If enacted, AB 866 would require appointing powers for full-time positions to allow reduced worktime options, including job sharing. This would effectively formalize and promote flexible work environments within state jobs, potentially improving work-life balance for employees. By allowing applicants to express interest in reduced worktime arrangements, the bill encourages inclusivity in the hiring process, catering to a diverse range of employee needs and preferences.
Assembly Bill No. 866, introduced by Assembly Member Petrie-Norris, aims to amend the Government Code by adding Section 19053 related to state employment. The bill emphasizes that state employers should make reduced worktime arrangements available to employees who either cannot or do not wish to work standard full-time hours. This aligns with the broader principles of the Reduced Worktime Act, which provides a framework for flexible working arrangements within the California civil service system.
The passage of AB 866 might face various viewpoints. Supporters may argue that it enhances the employability of individuals seeking flexible work options, such as those maintaining caregiving responsibilities or pursuing further education. Conversely, opponents may express concerns about the potential administrative burden on state agencies to implement and manage these flexible arrangements effectively. Detractors might argue that such structures could lead to operational inefficiencies or inequities in workload distribution among employees.