The Federal Government Return-to-Office Mandate: Implications for Leaders
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Navigating Washington: Insights for Business

The Federal Government Return-to-Office Mandate: Implications for Leaders

20 March 2025 / Essay

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On January 20, 2025, the new federal government administration issued an executive order requiring federal government employees to come back into the office five days a week, with few exceptions. This return-to-office (RTO) mandate not only significantly impacts many federal workers but will also have repercussions for workers in the private sector. Leaders in both sectors can take some specific actions to help their workers and their organizations navigate the mandate and its ripple effects. 

On January 20, 2025, the new federal government administration issued an executive order requiring federal government employees to come back into the office five days a week, with few exceptions. This return-to-office (RTO) mandate not only significantly impacts many federal workers but will also have repercussions for workers in the private sector. Leaders in both sectors can take some specific actions to help their workers and their organizations navigate the mandate and its ripple effects. 

Authors

Robin Erickson, PhD

Robin Erickson, PhD Robin Erickson, PhD

Head of Human Capital Research
The Conference Board

Read Bio

Barbara J. Lombardo, PhD

Barbara J. Lombardo, PhD Barbara J. Lombardo, PhD

Program Director, Distinguished Principal Research…
The Conference Board

Read Bio

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