Sharp Rise in Federal In-Person Work
A significant shift has occurred in the federal workforce since President Donald J. Trump's return-to-office order took effect in 2025. According to a recent Gallup survey, the proportion of federal employees working fully on-site has surged to 46% in the second quarter of this year, marking an increase of nearly 30 percentage points since late 2024. This dramatic rise far exceeds national trends for remote-capable jobs, where in-person work has remained relatively stagnant.
The Gallup data highlights the impact of the administration's decision to end most remote work arrangements for federal employees. Prior to the order, a substantial 61% of federal workers operated under a flexible hybrid model in late 2024. That figure has now plummeted to just 28%, reflecting a clear pivot toward traditional office-based work in Washington, D.C., and beyond.
Mixed Reactions Among Federal Employees
While the numbers indicate compliance with the mandate, opinions among federal workers are divided. A Washington Post-Ipsos poll conducted earlier this year revealed that 49% of current civilian federal employees support the return-to-office executive order, while 50% oppose a full five-day in-office requirement. This near-even split underscores the challenges of balancing employee preferences with administrative goals.
Additionally, concerns about productivity and morale have surfaced. A survey by Federal News Network from January indicated that many federal employees believe the return-to-office directive could negatively affect productivity and retention. Some workers have described the transition as chaotic, pointing to logistical hurdles and dissatisfaction with the abrupt end to remote work flexibility.
Broader Implications for Government Operations
The push to bring federal employees back to physical offices aligns with broader efforts to address inefficiencies, such as underutilized office spaces. Posts found on X have echoed sentiments from officials like Small Business Administration Administrator Kelly Loeffler, who noted that 80% of her agency returned to the office following the order, stating, 'Americans are seeing they've been paying for empty office buildings for do-nothing bureaucrats. That ends now.'
The long-term effects of this policy remain to be seen, especially as the percentage of in-person federal workers still sits below 50%. The administration's focus on accountability and taxpayer value will likely continue to shape workplace policies, even as debates persist over the best way to optimize government operations without sacrificing employee satisfaction or efficiency.