Thousands of U.S. federal employees who had been working remotely since the pandemic have been ordered to return to their offices—or risk losing their jobs. For many, the transition has been shocking: reports describe offices plagued by cockroaches and rats, shortages of basic supplies like toilet paper and paper towels, and inadequate workspace or equipment. Employees across multiple agencies say they were unprepared for the poor conditions, raising questions about why in-person work is being enforced when offices are not fully functional.

The push to end remote work stems from a directive issued on January 20, when President Donald Trump ordered federal agencies to terminate most remote arrangements and require full-time office attendance, with limited exceptions. Different departments were given varying deadlines, with agencies like the IRS and FDA among the first to bring staff back. Some groups are exempt, including military spouses, people with disabilities, and those with qualifying medical or compelling personal circumstances. The policy marks a sharp shift from the previous administration’s support for hybrid work, and Trump has even challenged existing remote-work agreements in court, arguing they hinder workforce restructuring and national security goals. The situation has sparked debate over workplace readiness, employee rights, and the future of flexible work in the federal government.