The Biden administration on Thursday lifted the cap on the number of federal employees who can work in the office, but agencies must first submit and finalize reentry plans, update COVID-19 safety protocols, meet union obligations and give the workforce enough advanced notice.
Agencies must finalize reentry plans and post-pandemic workforce policies by July 19, the Biden administration said Tuesday. The Social Security Administration is the latest agency to reassess its telework program.
Agencies are lifting mask requirements, and some in Congress are calling for federal employees to return to their offices soon. How agencies handle it all could sway those nearing retirement.
According to new guidance from the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force, the Biden administration will continue to discourage official travel for fully vaccinated employees.
Several agencies have revised and issued new COVID-19 safety plans in recent weeks, reinforcing telework strategies and offering more specific guidance on mask wearing.