White House Releases Memo Detailing Workplace Reentry for Federal Employees

The Biden administration released a memo on June 10, 2021 to facilitate the safe, effective, and efficient return of federal employees to the physical workplace given the declining threat of COVID-19. The administration lifted the 25 percent occupancy rule for federal buildings, but continues to require detailed plans from agencies regarding return-to-work initiatives prior to increasing occupancy.

The memo outlines President Biden’s commitment to positioning the federal government as a model employer for returning employees to work. Thus, agency reopening will be centered around strengthening, empowering, and galvanizing the federal workforce. The guidance states that agencies have the authority to deploy telework, remote work, and flexible schedules if it helps them attract and retain talent.  

The guidance explains, “OMB, OPM and GSA expect that agency decisions in these areas will be equitable and grounded in values that empower, respect, and galvanize the Federal workforce, while reflecting and emphasizing trust and accountability for the American people they serve. In making decisions regarding post-reentry personnel policies and the work environment, agencies should also consider broader workforce and workplace trends and the need for the Federal Government to be competitive for top talent as employers in the broader labor market.”

All agencies will be required to submit a re-entry plan to OMB before increasing the number of employees who can return to the office, except to meet urgent, mission-critical needs. Draft plans are due by June 18th to OMB, and final plans are due July 19th.

Furthermore, before bringing people back into the office, agencies must update their COVID-19 workplace safety plans, satisfy labor requirements, and provide employees with ample notice before reentry.

 Several employee groups were pleased with the Biden administration’s approach to re-opening agencies. National Treasury Employee Union President Tony Reardon explained to Federal News Network, “NTEU also agrees that any employee who has teleworked successfully throughout the pandemic — and there are tens of thousands of them — is considered telework eligible from now on, even post-pandemic. This is an important distinction that will allow telework programs to be expanded wherever possible.”