Curtail hybrid/remote work and restore routine in-office headquarters presence
Mandate demands a critical look at hybrid/remote work, arguing COVID-era and Biden-era remote norms undermine cohesiveness, accountability, and responsiveness at VA headquarters, satellites, and some VBA Regional Offices.
Mandate
Mandate Ch. 20 (Veterans Affairs) — HRA Needed Reforms: take a close and analytically critical look at where hybrid and remote work is a net positive versus where in-person collaboration will instill work ethic and cohesiveness; describes Biden team not ‘in office’ as routine presence and heavy reliance on video conference.
Undo plan
1) Restore evidence-based telework policies that retain recruitment tools where mission allows.
2) Prohibit blanket in-office mandates used as retaliation against career staff.
3) Publish position-specific remote eligibility tied to veteran-facing performance.
4) Codify bargaining and notice requirements before major duty-station changes.
5) Verify: retention/recruitment metrics for scarce clinical and claims occupations.