The Trump administration is offering buyouts to federal employees, including those working remotely, as part of a broader effort to encourage a return to in-person work. The program, announced on January 28, 2025, provides employees with the option to resign voluntarily in exchange for a payout equivalent to approximately eight months of salary. Employees have until February 6, 2025, to opt into this “deferred resignation” program.
Return-to-Office Mandate
This move aligns with President Donald Trump’s directive to end remote work policies that were implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. The administration emphasizes the importance of federal employees returning to their physical offices to enhance efficiency and productivity. Currently, only 6% of federal employees work full-time in the office, a statistic the administration aims to improve.
Program Details and Eligibility
The buyout program was announced in a memo titled, ‘Fork in the Road,’ from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
The memo outlined four keys pillars that the new federal workforce will operate within as:
- Return to Office
- Performance Culture
- More Streamlined and Flexible Workforce
- Enhanced Standards of Conduct
The buyout program is available to nearly all civilian full-time federal workers, excluding military personnel, U.S. Postal Service employees, and positions related to immigration enforcement and national security. Employees who choose to resign under this program will retain their pay and benefits until September 30, 2025, and will be exempt from in-person work requirements during this period.
Administration’s Perspective
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “American taxpayers pay for the salaries of federal government employees and therefore deserve employees working on their behalf who actually show up to work in our wonderful federal buildings.” The administration anticipates that 5% to 10% of federal employees may accept the buyout offer, potentially leading to significant taxpayer savings.
Reactions and Implications
The initiative has elicited mixed reactions among federal employees and unions. Some view it as a necessary step to streamline government operations and reduce costs, while others express concern over potential job losses and the impact on employee morale. The administration asserts that the program is voluntary and aims to provide a dignified transition for those who choose to depart.
