Outrageous: 94% of Feds Work From Home

 The federal workforce has a significant number of employees working from home, with 94% not reporting to an office. This situation has been compared to the Soviet bureaucracy, where only a small group enjoyed special benefits. There are concerns about the inefficiency of this remote work model, highlighted by a report detailing issues such as stagnant water at the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) headquarters due to disuse. USDA inspectors have reportedly been conducting food safety inspections from home, raising further questions about accountability.

Senator Joni Ernst noted that the current working conditions mimic early pandemic policies, stating that only 6% of federal employees work in-person full-time. While government buildings have an occupancy rate of just 12%, $16 billion is spent annually to operate them. The head of the General Services Administration even works from home, making government offices feel ghostly empty.

The report indicates that many employees find ways to avoid work while on the clock, leading to concerns about actual productivity. Despite President Biden's calls for employees to return to the office, contracts have been signed that allow continued teleworking until 2029. It's reported that federal employees can earn higher salaries even while living in lower-cost areas, contributing to a disconnect between their work location and pay.

Issues of accountability extend to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), where over 90% of employees work from home, and some employees are accused of misconduct while on the job. There are claims that remote work enables employees to hold multiple government jobs simultaneously without proper supervision.

The article suggests that current leadership, including figures like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, are advocating for reforms to streamline government agencies. However, the entrenched bureaucracy and strong unions present obstacles to necessary changes. While government inefficiency typically leads to budget increases instead of consequences, reform advocates face tough challenges within such a powerful and established system.

Overall, the federal workforce's shift to remote work raises concerns about productivity and accountability, with calls for reform facing significant barriers from unions and administrative inertia.

https://hotair.com/david-strom/2024/12/05/outrageous-94-of-feds-work-from-home-n3797611