Government employees express disappointment over Trump's mandate for return to office.

 Many federal employees participate in telework and report no evidence of it impacting their performance.

Metro Center Station in Washington, D.C.

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When the Trump administration announced a new return-to-office (RTO) mandate this week, it claimed that Americans “deserve the highest-quality service from people who love our country.”

For federal employees like Frank Paulsen, the statement implied a lack of dedication among government workers.

Paulsen, 50, serves as vice president of the Local 1641 chapter of the National Federation of Federal Employees, a union representing federal workers. A nurse at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in Spokane, Washington, Paulsen has been teleworking three days a week since 2022. His primary role involves processing referrals for patients to receive care from community health partners—a task he can handle remotely.

As a 22-year federal employee and a disabled veteran, Paulsen takes issue with the suggestion that federal workers lack diligence.

“I don’t believe that for a second,” Paulsen said. “My co-workers are incredibly diligent and committed to their work.”

On Monday, former President Trump signed an executive order requiring federal agencies to transition employees back to the office full-time “as soon as practicable.” The directive also called for the termination of remote work arrangements, labeling them a “glaring roadblock” to improving government performance.

By Wednesday, the administration released a detailed directive reiterating the mandate and describing most federal offices as “virtually abandoned.”

The move aligns with long-standing GOP criticisms of federal bureaucracy, and Trump’s administration is doubling down on its pledge to reform it. Elon Musk, Trump’s largest donor and an informal adviser, voiced support for the initiative.

“This is about fairness: it’s not fair that most people have to commute to work while federal employees get to stay home,” Musk posted on X following the executive order’s signing.

The U.S. government, the nation’s largest employer with over 2 million civilian workers, represents a small portion of the total workforce. According to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), just 7.56% of federal employees work in Washington, D.C., while the majority, like Paulsen, are based across the country.

Paulsen expressed concerns about the practical challenges of a full RTO, including whether his VA office has adequate seating. Another VA employee, speaking anonymously, echoed worries about space limitations, particularly in areas where sensitive medical information is discussed.

Despite these challenges, Paulsen is bracing for a full return.

“Our guidance to employees is clear: Don’t risk your job,” he said.

Morale is plummeting among some teams, including one working on metastatic cancer research at the VA. A team member, who wished to remain anonymous, said management’s guidance had been inconsistent, leaving employees uncertain about their job security and telework options.

Other federal employees see the mandate as a push for attrition. One USDA worker based in Washington, D.C., said the policy feels like “an ax over our heads.”

The Trump administration claims only 6% of federal employees currently work in person. However, an August report from the Office of Management and Budget found that among telework-eligible employees—excluding fully remote workers—61% of work hours are spent in person.

The Biden administration had already been monitoring telework trends post-pandemic, with OPM reporting a 12-percentage-point drop in telework participation from fiscal year 2022 to 2023. Still, agencies noted hybrid work arrangements improved recruitment, retention, and productivity while reducing costs.

Some unions and think tanks argue the mandate will hinder government effectiveness. The Partnership for Public Service called the RTO order an “overreach,” emphasizing the importance of telework in attracting top talent to federal jobs, which often pay less than private-sector roles.

Federal employee unions, including Paulsen’s, have warned that the mandate could impair critical services and lead to contract violations. Randy Erwin, national president of the NFFE, said the administration risks breaching collective bargaining agreements.

Local businesses in downtown Washington, D.C., stand to benefit from the policy, as federal offices account for 27% of the city’s office space. Business improvement districts and small businesses like the Tune Inn restaurant hope the return of workers will revive the area’s economic vibrancy.

Stephanie Hulbert, general manager of the Tune Inn, plans to reintroduce a federal worker discount, expressing hope that the return of government employees will foster mutual support.

“I hope they’ll come back and support the small businesses that need it,” she said. “Together, we can help rebuild morale.”

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