Federal Telework Plummets as Trump Orders Full Return to Office
Federal telework has dropped sharply under the Trump administration, with 81.8% of federal employees now working fully on-site—the highest rate since before the pandemic.
Following an executive order mandating in-office work by February 6, backed by the “Laken Riley Act” and enforced by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), thousands have left government jobs.
While the administration cites productivity, accountability, and cost savings, critics warn of talent loss, especially in technical fields, and lawsuits argue the policy violates labor rights.
In contrast, private companies are adopting hybrid models. With telework falling from 31.5% to 18.2% in a year, the federal workplace faces staffing shortages, space issues, and legal challenges, prompting debate over whether this hardline approach will endure or give way to flexibility.
