Trump Administration Directs Federal Workers to Return to Offices Full-Time
Federal agencies must submit detailed plans by February 7 to implement a full return to in-person work, including addressing remote employees living over 50 miles from offices.
- President Trump issued an executive order mandating federal employees return to full-time, in-person work, with limited exemptions allowed for specific circumstances.
- The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and Office of Personnel Management (OPM) have instructed agencies to submit implementation plans by February 7 for review and approval.
- Agencies must outline steps to amend telework agreements, establish timelines for returns, and identify barriers such as office space or budget constraints.
- Special considerations will be given to employees with disabilities, medical conditions, or other compelling reasons, though criteria for exemptions must be clearly defined.
- The directive aligns with broader efforts to reduce government waste and streamline the federal workforce, including a hiring freeze and evaluating remote workers' duty stations.