Does an employee have a right to engage in remote work?
No. Remote work is not a universal employee benefit or an employee right.
Can a manager deny a request for remote work?
Yes. Because of the policy and potential costs implications of remote work arrangements, agencies should evaluate and consider such requests (especially those submitted primarily for the convenience of the employee), on a case-by-case basis, highlighting the cost effectiveness and business benefits to the agency or organization.
Can a manager terminate an existing remote work arrangement?
Yes. An agency may determine that a remote work arrangement no longer meets the business needs of the organization or that the arrangement negatively impacts the employee’s performance. However, terminating a remote work arrangement, particularly if the employee resides outside the local commuting area of the agency worksite, may require additional considerations. If the decision is made to terminate the remote work arrangement for business reasons, there may be costs implications for the agency to consider.
That being said, my guess is that at least some federal employees probably pretty much have to work outside of the office, just because of the nature of the job – like, it may be travel-intensive. I guess they could end work-from-home stuff.
kagis
It sounds like he would have the authority to require in-office work.
https://www.opm.gov/frequently-asked-questions/telework-faq/remote-work/
That being said, my guess is that at least some federal employees probably pretty much have to work outside of the office, just because of the nature of the job – like, it may be travel-intensive. I guess they could end work-from-home stuff.