Joins other federal agencies in minimum in-person work requirements.
The Department of State recently released a return-to-office announcement to employees, transitioning from exclusive teleworking to at least three in-office work days per week. The shift will take effect on October 22, giving their employees over a month to prepare for the change in work requirements.
“Much of our team requires regular access to classified materials, systems, and meetings. When it comes to cultivating relationships – with other governments or agencies, the private sector, or civil society – there’s no substitute for engaging face-to-face,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken wrote in the announcement.
Over 15 federal agencies and six Cabinet departments have released return-to-office announcements to mixed receptions. All of them highlight the importance of face-to-face interactions though union leaders representing federal employees have claimed the changes are being made before contract negotiations are complete.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Blinken as he heads the Department of State.
- For State Department workers who handle sensitive and classified information.
- For union leaders as they negotiate federal employee contracts.
Sources: Federal News Network, Washington Post
