U.S. federal workers face logistical challenges in office return

WASHINGTON, D.C., UNITED STATES — The recent order of U.S. President Donald Trump to end remote work for federal employees has led to widespread confusion and logistical challenges across the government. 

As workers return to offices, they are encountering shortages of basic necessities like desks, Wi-Fi, and even toilet paper.

Chaos in office assignments

A Department of Agriculture employee was directed to a storage facility as a potential office location. The facility, lacking heat, windows, or power, is used to store a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service boat. Despite notifying their supervisor, the employee has yet to receive a response. 

In a statement to NPR, the USDA said it is using a systematic process to assign employees to offices, addressing any issues promptly.

Shortages and frustrations

Federal workers are facing numerous challenges upon their return. Many offices lack sufficient desks, computer monitors, and parking spaces. 

At the IRS, some employees were told not to report to work due to space constraints, while others were directed to wait in cafeterias without Wi-Fi. 

An IRS employee in Texas noted, “At least I have a desk. Many of my team members have been in classrooms and auditoriums or had to move desks multiple times. Some were assigned to secure areas that they can’t access.”

Impact on productivity and morale

An employee at the U.S. Forest Service questioned the cost savings, stating, “This is not saving money for taxpayers. The government needs to pay for heat, for electricity, for water.” 

Many employees feel the order is an indirect attempt to drive them to quit, contradicting years of promoting telework for efficiency and cost savings. 

As one FDA worker said, “The physical difficulty and the psychological distraction of [return to office] will result in real attrition and lower productivity.”