Despite legal challenges from unions, DOGE moved forward with policies requiring weekly performance reports and tracking work locations. Agencies, many of which downsized office space during the telework era, struggled with the transition, and some employees left government jobs for better opportunities in the private sector.

The return-to-office push contrasts with the private sector’s growing adoption of hybrid work models. Critics argue the federal government’s rigid stance is outdated and hampers its ability to recruit top talent, especially in fields like cybersecurity and IT, where flexibility is increasingly valued.

The administration claims that in-person work promotes collaboration and efficiency, but critics question whether the promised gains will materialize. Ongoing legal battles and potential challenges to the policy underscore the uncertainty surrounding this shift. The future of federal work culture hinges on how well agencies and employees adapt to this new reality.