Major Shift: Federal Employees Ordered Back to Office - What It Means for Louisiana Workers

Executive Order Mandating In-Office Work

On Inauguration Day, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at ending remote work for federal employees, requiring them to return to the office full-time. This decision affects many workers, particularly in states like Louisiana.

Details of the Order

The order mandates that department and agency heads take immediate steps to terminate remote work arrangements. While the specifics of exemptions are not detailed, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management has indicated that exceptions may apply for employees with disabilities or other certifiable medical conditions.

Impacts on the U.S. Department of State

The U.S. Department of State plans for 100% in-office attendance and intends to cancel all telework arrangements by March 1, with a full return to in-person work by July 1. The Office of Personnel Management has also instructed agencies to revise their telework policies to reflect this new expectation.

Healthcare marketing professional Amy Norwalk has worked remotely for 10 years, enjoying the flexibility of her home office.

Current Remote Work Statistics

Approximately 54% of federal employees work full-time on-site, while only 10% are in fully remote positions. Out of the 2.28 million federal civilian workers, 228,000 hold remote roles that do not require regular in-person attendance. Notably, 46% of federal employees are eligible for telework.

Implications for Louisiana Federal Employees

In Louisiana, there are numerous federal remote and telework job positions. As of December 2024, the state has 19,442 federal civilian employees, many of whom may have to return to the office unless they qualify for an exemption.

Defining Telework and Remote Work

Telework refers to working from home using internet, email, and phone, while still being required to attend the office as needed. Conversely, a remote job position allows employees to work from home without a designated office.

To qualify for telework, employees must meet performance expectations and complete the necessary training. A request for telework can be submitted for approval from a supervisor, following the Louisiana Division of Administration's policies.

Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today.