DOJ Groups Call for More Consistency with Telework, Cite Recruitment, Retention Risks
Tension is brewing over telework policies at the Department of Justice (DOJ), particularly in certain U.S. Attorney offices.
In January, DOJ required employees to report to the office at least three days a week.
A new survey from the National Association of Assistant U.S. Attorneys (NAAUSA), found that 70 percent of U.S. Attorneys Offices are still offering at least two days a week of telework, while complying with that directive. Overall, 60 percent of AUSA’s responding are at least somewhat satisfied with their telework schedule.
However, certain offices, including the Northern District of California and the Central District of California are requiring employees to be in the office much more than that.
The Northern District currently allows telework only on a situational basis, while the Central District allows one telework day a week.
“There are clear and alarming signals that those approaches are having negative impacts on morale, retention, and are challenging the ability of those offices to accomplish the mission,” wrote NAAUSA in a letter to DOJ leadership, including Attorney General Merrick Garland.
The letter requested consistent telework policy for AUSAs, with the two-days a week recommended.
In an interview with Federal News Network, NAAUSA Vice President Adam Hanna went so far as to say, “The places that have eliminated routine telework have seen a workforce revolt against it.”
NAAUSA points out that a whopping 81 percent of respondents from the Northern District of California say they’re already looking for a new job, while 42 percent in the Central District of California say they’re looking for a new job.
“This is just a huge red flag,” Hanna said. “It ought to really get the attention of department leadership because of the recruitment and retention challenges that it forecasts.”
Overall, NAAUSA reports that just over 50 percent of respondents say they would look for another job if telework is decreased. 6.3 percent of respondents say they’re already on the job hunt.
The survey was conducted in early 2024 and included responses from nearly 500 Assistant U.S. Attorneys from 86 of the 94 U.S. Attorney Offices.
Broader Push for DOJ Telework
And it’s not just AUSAs who are demanding more consistency with telework.
Other employee groups, including the DOJ Gender Equality Network (DOJ GEN), DOJ Association of Black Attorneys, DOJ Association of Hispanic Employees for Advancement and Development, and DOJ Muslim Americans in Public Service, are upset with the department’s approach to telework.
In a letter to Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco that was obtained by Federal News Network, the groups write that the policy is “more burdensome than more than 20 other departments and agencies in the National Capital Region.”
The group also cited a 2023 report from the DOJ Office of Inspector General (OIG) which found that 26 percent of employees did not think DOJ’s back to office policy accounted for employee’s diverse needs and situations.
DOJ told FNN that the agency is reviewing the letter.