Federal agencies given 30 days to implement Trump return-to-office mandate

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) sent a Wednesday memo to federal agencies urging them to establish a protocol for President Trump’s executive order requiring workers to report in person.

The memo outlined leniency for employees who live more than 50 miles away from their office, suggesting those who do be moved to a closer duty station. Agency heads will be allowed to make exemptions as they deem necessary.

“The [presidential memorandum] reflects a simple reality. The only way to get employees back to the office is to adopt a centralized policy requiring return-to-work for all agencies across the federal government,” wrote Charles Ezell, acting OPM director.

“Seeking to cajole individual agencies to try to get employees to return to the worksite has not succeeded.”

The move striking telework options from federal employees isn’t the only change workers will face under Trump’s new administration.

Agency leaders have also been asked to dismantle all diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility offices in addition to placing staff on paid leave while agencies take steps toward permanent closure of departments in the outlined demographic.

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