
President Trump’s administration recently issued a directive that could reshape the federal workforce, with the Office of Personnel Management now calling for a return to full-time in-office work for federal employees within about 30 days.
Key Insights
- Federal agencies were given until last Friday to revise telework policies, aiming for all employees to return to in-office work within a month.
- The order is part of a broader initiative to reshape the federal government and reduce the workforce.
- Employees with duty stations over 50 miles from an agency office may have their duty station moved.
- Federal unions emphasize that collective bargaining agreements securing telework must be honored.
- Critics argue that telework has been effective and is crucial for performance and talent recruitment.
Trump Administration’s Mandate for Federal Workers
The Trump administration, through the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), has issued a sweeping mandate requiring federal employees to resume full-time in-office work. This directive, which aims to end both telework and remote positions, gives federal agencies a 30-day recommended target to implement the changes. The move marks a significant shift from the flexible work arrangements that have become common in recent years.
Under the new policy, agency heads are instructed to revise telework policies, requiring full-time in-office work unless exceptions are granted. This change affects a substantial portion of the federal workforce, as recent data shows that 46.4% of federal employees were telework-eligible, with 10% in remote positions as of May 2024.
.@USOPM posted new guidance today on Trump's return-to-office order for federal employees
– by 5 pm Friday, agencies are to revise telework policies stating that employees will work full-time in the office
– Agencies should aim for "full compliance" in 30 days with the order pic.twitter.com/rftayDiPjd
— Kevin Bogardus (@KevinBogardus) January 23, 2025
Impact on Federal Employees and Agencies
The sudden change in work schedules has raised concerns among federal employees and their representatives. The American Federation of Government Employees has expressed apprehension about the impact on workers’ lives and routines. Agencies may face challenges accommodating more in-person workers, especially after reducing office space during the telework era.
“I think a lot of people are scrambling right now,” said Jacqueline Simon. “They’ve built their lives around a certain schedule that’s suddenly been ripped away from them.”
The mandate could potentially hinder the federal government’s ability to attract and retain talent, as many employees have grown accustomed to flexible work arrangements. Additionally, employees with duty stations over 50 miles from an agency office may face relocation, adding another layer of complexity to the transition.
Implementation and Exceptions
OPM has clarified the distinction between “remote work” and “telework” arrangements in federal employment. While the order generally mandates a return to in-person work, it does allow for some exemptions. These can be granted for disabilities, medical conditions, or other compelling reasons. Agencies must submit their compliance date and notify employees of the mandate, with telework managing officers overseeing the process.
Implementation will vary by agency, with some, like the Department of Homeland Security, already announcing specific directives. Federal employees covered by collective bargaining agreements retain the right to negotiate changes in working conditions, which may lead to a more complex implementation process in some agencies.
Reactions and Criticisms
The mandate has sparked debate about the future of work in the federal government. Critics argue that telework has proven effective for years and is crucial for performance and talent recruitment. Federal employees have voiced concerns about potential impacts on productivity and space issues with a full return-to-office policy.
On the other hand, OPM Acting Director Charles Ezell argues that in-person work is necessary for efficiency, accountability, and to utilize existing office space effectively. The administration’s stance represents a significant shift from the Biden administration’s previous encouragement of a hybrid work model.
As federal agencies work to implement this directive, the coming weeks will likely see continued discussions and potential negotiations between management and employee representatives, shaping the future landscape of federal employment.
Sources
- Trump wants federal workers back in offices within 30 days
- OPM directs agencies to quickly comply with Trump’s return-to-office mandate
- OPM demands agencies comply with Trump’s telework order within 30 days