Federal Drive with Tom Temin
OPM says federal employed military spouses exempted from return-to-office, but some are skeptical
Feb 25, 2025
Anastasia Obis, a Federal News Network reporter, dives into the recent OPM announcement exempting federally employed military spouses from return-to-office mandates. While some celebrate this news, many military spouses remain skeptical about its true implementation and awareness. The podcast explores the complexities of remote versus telework, miscommunications within the Department of Defense, and the broader challenges these spouses face. Additionally, it discusses Congressional efforts aimed at providing flexibility and the worry over potential loopholes in the legislation.
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Quick takeaways
- The OPM's exemption for federally employed military spouses from the return-to-office mandate has raised skepticism among those affected regarding its enforcement.
- Confusion between remote work and telework policies continues to impact military spouses' employment stability, as many are forced back to physical offices despite unchanged job roles.
Deep dives
Exemption of Military Spouses from Return to Office Mandate
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) recently issued new guidance exempting federally employed military spouses from the return to office requirement. This change followed pressure from lawmakers and military families, clarifying that all federal agencies should exempt spouses of active-duty military members and those with specific disabilities. Despite the memo being celebrated by some, many military spouses remain skeptical, expressing concerns that agency leadership is either unaware of the new directive or reluctant to enforce it. This hesitation often stems from fears of potential repercussions from higher-ranking officials within the agencies.
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