[Written by Queenie]

In a joint effort to reshape federal workforce practices, Elon Musk and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy have proposed eliminating remote work for all federal employees. This initiative is part of a broader strategy under the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a program introduced by President-elect Donald Trump aimed at reducing government size and cutting costs.

Their proposal includes mandating that federal employees return to in-office work five days a week. They argue that this move would not only enhance efficiency but also prompt voluntary resignations, particularly among employees who relocated during the pandemic or prefer remote work. Musk and Ramaswamy have stated that taxpayers should not fund what they view as the “privilege” of remote work, especially post-pandemic.

The proposal, which also aligns with broader Republican goals to minimize the federal workforce, has drawn criticism. Opponents argue that remote work increases flexibility, job satisfaction, and productivity while saving costs. Eliminating it could disrupt the lives of many federal employees and reduce access to a wider talent pool. Additionally, there are concerns about the practicality of such a policy given limited office space in some federal agencies  .

The move represents a significant shift in workplace policies that gained momentum during the pandemic. Critics worry it could lead to unnecessary upheaval in government operations, impacting vital services that depend on an experienced and stable workforce .

This controversial proposal is sure to spark debate about the future of federal work environments and the balance between efficiency and flexibility in public service.