Why Enforcing In-Person Work Could Push Parents Out of Federal Jobs

Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy have recently proposed that all federal workers should work in-person five days a week. This move, they claim, would lead to a "wave of voluntary terminations" as they believe many utilize telework to avoid actual work. However, the reality is that telework offers significant advantages, especially for parents.

Key Highlights

1. Impact on Families: If the in-person requirement is enforced, it will disproportionately affect those with families, particularly married individuals and parents.
2. In-Person Work as a Tool: Utilizing in-person work as a means to push people out of federal jobs will almost certainly lead to married people and parents being the first to leave.
3. Benefits of Telework: Telework provides real advantages that particularly benefit parents, allowing them to manage their family responsibilities more effectively.

When contemplating a job, individuals consider various factors beyond just salary. Logistics such as housing prices, commute times, and childcare needs play crucial roles in their decisions. In Washington D.C., where housing is expensive and commutes can be lengthy, these factors become even more pronounced. Over 70% of D.C. workers commute for 30-90 minutes, making telework a valuable option that can save them 3 to 9 hours a week.

The demographic landscape of D.C. reveals that many workers live outside the city, leading to significant commutes. As such, those most disadvantaged by a shift back to in-person work are often married parents, who are more likely to live outside the city due to housing costs and family needs.

If the proposed policies go into effect, many workers may face difficult choices: endure longer commutes, move closer to work at the expense of family space, or leave their jobs altogether. While some federal positions allow for remote work, many who choose this arrangement do so for family reasons, often opting for jobs that accommodate their lifestyles.

It's crucial to recognize that not all federal workers view their jobs as their primary identity. By removing family-friendly policies like telework, the government risks losing valuable employees who prioritize their family life over career advancement. The remaining workforce may increasingly consist of single, childless individuals, skewing the demographic balance within federal roles.

Musk's previous emphasis on pro-natalism suggests a need for policies that support families. If he truly seeks to foster a government that values family dynamics, it would be wise to consider retaining parents within federal jobs rather than driving them away.