Arkansas Governor Implements Infant At Work Policy, Ends Remote Work For State Employees

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has announced a series of new reforms aimed at reshaping the state’s workforce policies. The moves, part of her broader Arkansas Forward initiative, include the expansion of an “Infant at Work” program and a full phase-out of regular remote work for state employees.

Infant at Work Program Expanded Statewide

The “Infant at Work” policy will now be available to state employees across Arkansas, allowing new parents to bring infants aged four weeks to six months into the workplace—with supervisor approval. Originally piloted within the Governor’s Office and the Department of Human Services, the program is being expanded to help working parents stay engaged in their jobs while bonding with their newborns.

“As a working mom, I know how important a child’s earliest months are for bonding and education,” Governor Sanders wrote in a letter to state employees. “Working moms and dads are a critical component of our workforce, and I want to make sure we provide additional options for families.”

Remote Work Ends October 1

In the same announcement, Sanders declared an end to the regular use of remote work in state government beginning October 1. The new policy will require all agencies to revert to in-person office operations from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Additionally, the state will:

• Prioritize in-person meetings over virtual ones

• Implement standardized flexible and alternative work schedules

• Discourage the continuation of pandemic-era remote policies

“State employees serve our citizens best when they collaborate in person,” Sanders wrote. “It’s time to leave the inefficient policies implemented five years ago in the past.”

Financial and Operational Reforms Under Arkansas Forward

According to Sanders, the Arkansas Forward plan has already identified $300 million in cost savings. The administration has also adjusted pay for two-thirds of state workers to bring their salaries closer in line with private sector standards.

These efforts are designed to create a more responsive and efficient government while supporting families and maximizing workforce participation. The governor framed the changes as necessary to modernize government operations post-COVID.

“We all entered public service because we care about the people of this state,” Sanders said. “With these new policies, we’ll be able to build the responsive, efficient government our people want and deserve.”