Staff Reports
In a surprising turn of events, both Democrats and Republicans in Washington, D.C. are advocating for federal employees to return to work in person. The city’s economy is suffering, and workers are concerned about how this move will impact their family lives. President Joe Biden issued the directive to federal agency officials to call their employees back to the office with a plan to resume in-person work this fall. White House chief of staff Jeff Zients emphasized the president’s priority in an email to Cabinet leadership.
Democrats and Republicans in the nation's capital are calling for federal employees to return to their posts in person as the economy in Washington, D.C., is in jeopardy and workers weigh how the move will affect family life.https://t.co/BqAnAOJJBl
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) August 25, 2023
Republicans have joined the call and expressed their disappointment with the Biden administration’s slow response. Rep. Roger Williams (R-TX), chairman of the House Small Business Committee, questioned why the federal government is only now planning to return to work when President Biden declared the COVID pandemic over 11 months ago. He also criticized the underutilized federal buildings, which have been a drain on taxpayer dollars.
A Government Accountability Office report revealed that many federal agencies were operating at a fraction of their in-person capacity, with some using only 25% or less of their headquarters buildings. This inefficiency is costing agencies billions of dollars each year. Additionally, the economic damage caused by remote work is taking a toll on Washington, D.C. The city’s tax revenue from office buildings has significantly dropped, and property owners are challenging tax assessments.
The preference for remote work is becoming a contentious issue among workers. Many have grown accustomed to the flexibility and convenience of working from home, especially parents who can spend more time with their children. A study found that over 50% of parents with children would prefer to work from home at least half the time. The ability to care for their children at home has been identified as the ideal situation for many parents, as it promotes brain and body development during early childhood.
While there may be valid reasons for advocating remote work, it is clear that the economy and businesses are suffering as a result. The return to in-person work is necessary to revitalize the nation’s capital and bring stability back to the city. The Biden administration should prioritize the needs of the economy and act swiftly to ensure a smooth transition back to normalcy.
