White House pushes for balanced work arrangements post-COVID
WASHINGTON, D.C., UNITED STATES — The White House is urging federal agencies to balance in-person and remote work as they transition to post-pandemic operations.
In the wake of COVID-19, over 80% of federal work is now performed in person, but agencies continue to evaluate policies to maintain a flexible and agile workforce.
“Agencies are moving towards a posture whereby hybrid teams are working in-person at least half of the time, on average,” FEDweek stated.
“This balanced approach recognizes the vital importance of in-person collaboration, while still ensuring flexibilities are in place so that the Government can attract and retain top talent.”
To support this transition, the Office of Management and Budget released guidelines in April 2023 directing agencies to “substantially increase meaningful in-person work at Federal offices, particularly at headquarters and equivalents” where hybrid work is concentrated.
The Administration is also investing in training, such as the Office of Personnel Management’s “Thriving in a Hybrid Work Environment” course to be completed by over 25,000 federal employees.
Additionally, the General Services Administration launched the Workplace Innovation Lab and six federal coworking test sites to improve collaboration, share best practices, and spur creative thinking around the future of federal workspaces.
“As GSA continues to test and assess design, technologies, and operations, it will diffuse leading practice and help position the Government as a competitive employer with a workplace model that ensures quality service delivery,” FEDweek added.
