

Restoring Workplace Norms: The End of Federal Work From Home
In a bold move to restore traditional workplace norms and enhance accountability within the federal government, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order requiring many civil service employees to return to the office full-time. This decision is part of a broader effort to restructure the federal workforce and improve the efficiency of government operations.
The order, which was issued shortly after Trump's inauguration, mandates that the heads of all departments and agencies within the executive branch take all necessary steps to terminate remote work arrangements. This policy change is expected to affect a significant portion of the nearly 2.3 million civilian federal workers, with approximately 1.1 million currently eligible for telework and 228,000 working entirely remote.
The rationale behind this move is multifaceted. Proponents argue that in-person work enhances professionalism, accountability, and the overall effectiveness of government services. The Biden administration's prolonged telework policies, which were enacted during the pandemic, have been criticized for harming agency mission achievement and deteriorating service delivery to the American people.
Chairman James Comer of the House Oversight Committee has been vocal about the adverse effects of telework, highlighting that federal agencies have failed to fulfill their responsibilities and that Americans have suffered from poor service. The committee's investigation revealed that many agencies have not been effectively tracking employee attendance, and there is a lack of data on the impact of massive telework on agency mission achievement.
The Economic and Social Impact
The return-to-office mandate is also expected to have significant economic and social implications. For instance, Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has expressed concerns about the economic consequences of federal employees not coming to work, noting that the downtown area has become a 'ghost town.' The presence of federal workers in the office is crucial for local businesses and the overall economic vitality of the region.
In addition, the policy change aligns with the views of many private sector companies that have already transitioned back to in-person work. This shift is seen as a way to restore a sense of normalcy and community within the workplace, which is often lacking in remote work arrangements.
Schedule F and Job Protections
Alongside the return-to-office mandate, Trump has reinstated a policy known as 'Schedule F,' which was initially enacted during his first term but rescinded by the Biden administration. This policy aims to weaken job protections for civil service employees, making it easier to dismiss those who are underperforming or engaging in misconduct.
The White House argues that this policy is necessary to maintain professionalism and accountability within the civil service. Currently, only 41 percent of civil service supervisors are confident in their ability to dismiss insubordinate employees or those accused of serious misconduct, while only 26 percent are confident in dismissing employees for poor performance.
Hiring Freeze and Workforce Reduction
The administration has also ordered a hiring freeze for federal workers within the executive branch, excluding the armed forces or jobs related to immigration enforcement, public safety, or national security. This freeze is part of a broader plan to reduce the size of the federal government's workforce through efficiency improvements and attrition.
Real Estate Implications
The Trump administration is considering significant changes to the federal government's real estate portfolio. Plans include selling two-thirds of the government's office stock and canceling three-quarters of the rented space in Washington, D.C. This move could lead to substantial cost savings and a more streamlined use of government resources.
The General Services Administration, which manages the federal government's real estate, would play a crucial role in this process. The federal government is the largest owner and operator of real estate in the U.S., with approximately 360 million square feet under its management.
Exemptions and Implementation
While the executive order is comprehensive, it allows for necessary exemptions. Department and agency heads are given the flexibility to implement the policy change 'as soon as practicable,' taking into account specific needs and circumstances of their respective agencies.
This approach ensures that the transition back to in-person work is managed smoothly and does not disrupt critical government services. It also acknowledges that some roles may require different arrangements due to their nature or the needs of the employees involved.
Support from Conservative Leaders
The move has received strong support from conservative leaders and lawmakers. Rep. James Comer and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene have been vocal about the need to restore accountability and efficiency in the federal workforce. They argue that the Biden administration's telework policies have undermined the effectiveness of government agencies and that Trump's executive order is a step in the right direction.
These leaders emphasize that the federal workforce should be held to the same standards as the private sector, where in-person work is often seen as essential for productivity and teamwork.
Back to the Office and Back to Work
President Trump's executive order ending federal work from home marks a significant turning point in the management of the federal workforce. By requiring employees to return to the office, the administration aims to enhance accountability, professionalism, and the overall efficiency of government operations.
This policy change is part of a broader effort to reform the federal government, including the reinstatement of Schedule F and a hiring freeze. The economic and social implications of this move are far-reaching, from revitalizing local economies to aligning government practices with those of the private sector.
As the federal government navigates this transition, it is clear that the goal is to create a more effective, efficient, and accountable workforce that better serves the American people.