President Donald Trump signed an executive order ending remote work for federal employees shortly after taking office, mandating a return to full-time in-person work.

This executive order directs heads of all executive departments and agencies to terminate remote work as quickly as possible and to take necessary measures to ensure employees work full-time in their assigned locations. However, heads of departments and agencies may allow exceptions if deemed necessary.

President Trump has previously expressed a critical stance on remote work for federal employees. In a press conference last December, he stated, "If they don't return to the office, they will be fired," showing a tough attitude.

This measure is interpreted as an effort to enhance the efficiency of the federal government and strengthen the accountability of public servants. However, some express concerns about voluntary resignations due to the end of remote work or worries about a decline in the quality of government services.

This decision by the Trump administration is expected to bring significant changes to the working conditions of federal employees, and various discussions and responses are anticipated in the future.

Why were federal employees able to work remotely?

The COVID-19 pandemic maximized the need for remote work worldwide.

• Social distancing requirements: Minimizing physical contact was essential to prevent the spread of infection.
• Advancements in remote work tools: The development of technologies supporting remote work, such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Workspace, allowed federal employees to work efficiently from home.
• Rapid policy implementation: During the pandemic, most government agencies quickly adopted policies to support remote work.

Information technology has been a key factor enabling remote work.

• Cloud-based systems: As government agencies adopted cloud technology, employees could access data and work from anywhere.
• Enhanced security technologies: Advances in remote access and data security systems created an environment for safely handling confidential information.
• Automation and digitization: As the work of public servants became digitized, the reliance on physical offices decreased.