The federal government may struggle to attract and retain top talent following former President Trump’s executive order mandating a full return to in-person work.
Research by Axios suggests the move to force federal staff back to their desks could lead to an exodus of staff, and more problems recruiting in the future.
Why It Matters
Trump’s return-to-office (RTO) mandate is seen as a deliberate strategy to shrink federal bureaucracy.
By requiring federal employees to return to the office full-time, the administration appears to be encouraging voluntary resignations—a move that critics argue prioritizes cost-cutting over workforce sustainability.
This comes at a time when the private sector is also ramping up efforts to bring employees back to the office.
According to a Pew Research survey conducted in late 2024, 75% of employees with remote-capable jobs reported their employers now require in-person attendance, up from 63% in 2023.
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Recruitment Challenges in the Federal Sector
The federal government has historically struggled to compete with the private sector for top talent.
Federal jobs often offer lower pay than private-sector roles, especially in fields like technology.
The remote work policies implemented during the pandemic helped address this disadvantage by making federal roles more appealing to a diverse and geographically dispersed talent pool.
Harvard Business School professor Prithwiraj Choudhury highlighted the success of remote work policies in government.
For instance, the US Patent and Trademark Office’s work-from-anywhere program increased productivity by 4.4%, reduced attrition, and enhanced workforce diversity.
He told Axios:
“Without flexibility, federal agencies will face significant challenges attracting and retaining skilled employees, particularly in competitive areas like IT.”
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Broader Trends in the Workplace
The push for in-office work gained momentum with private sector giants like Amazon and JPMorgan announcing similar policies.
Neither of these moves has gone down well with employees.
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, former leaders within the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), publicly advocated for in-person mandates, arguing that remote work hampers accountability and efficiency.
Musk and Ramaswamy wrote in a 2024 Wall Street Journal opinion piece, the two billionaires wrote:
“Requiring federal employees to work in person five days a week would trigger a wave of voluntary terminations.”
Their argument reflects a broader trend among employers leveraging return-to-office policies to reduce headcounts without formal layoffs.
The Impact on Diversity and Retention
Remote work policies have proven effective in attracting diverse talent.
Research on startup hiring trends in 2023 showed remote opportunities increased workforce diversity.
However, experts say diversity initiatives appear to be a low priority for the current administration.
Stanford University economist Nicholas Bloom warned that eliminating remote work options could lead to high quit rates in critical areas such as technology and cybersecurity.
Federal agencies risk losing valuable expertise without competitive workplace policies.
Union Resistance and Flexibility
Trump’s executive order does allow some flexibility, requiring RTO mandates to be implemented “as soon as practicable.”
Departments and agencies may grant exemptions where necessary.
Public-sector unions have also negotiated telework provisions in their contracts, which could make implementing the new directive more complex.
Unions representing federal employees have signalled they will push back against sweeping in-office mandates. NPR reported that these agreements provide a buffer for workers, protecting telework arrangements that boost productivity and work-life balance.
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Looking Ahead: Balancing Tradition and Modernity
As federal agencies navigate the return-to-office transition, they must balance traditional workplace norms with the modern workforce’s expectations for flexibility.
The government’s ability to compete for top talent may hinge on its willingness to embrace hybrid and remote work models.
For now, the executive order signals a clear preference for in-person work. Whether this strategy will help or hinder the federal workforce remains to be seen.
However, with mounting challenges in recruitment, retention, and diversity, policymakers face a critical test in shaping the future of government employment.
