Return to Work Act This bill requires the head of each executive agency to reinstate the telework policies in use by that agency on December 31, 2019.
Impact
The reinstatement of previous telework policies will have significant implications for both Executive agencies and their employees. It could enhance work-life balance for employees who favor remote work, potentially leading to increased job satisfaction and productivity. Additionally, the bill could influence how agencies structure their operations, possibly resulting in a more hybrid workforce that combines both in-office and remote working arrangements. This shift can aid in the retention of talent, especially among younger employees who prioritize flexible working conditions.
Summary
House Bill 107, titled the 'Return to Work Act,' mandates that all Executive agencies must reinstate telework policies that were in effect on December 31, 2019, within 60 days of the bill's enactment. This legislative initiative reflects a shift back to remote work arrangements that were commonly adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic, aiming to support employees' preferences for flexible working conditions. It underscores a recognition of the benefits that telework can provide both to organizations and their personnel.
Contention
While the bill appears to have widespread support due to its alignment with evolving workplace norms, it may face scrutiny regarding diverse agency needs and the disparity in operational capacity among various Executive agencies. Critics may argue that a one-size-fits-all approach to reinstating telework policies does not consider the unique environments of different agencies, which could impact service delivery and collaboration efforts. Balancing telework options with operational requirements may be a point of contention as the bill moves forward.
Stopping Home Office Work's Unproductive Problems Act of 2023 or the SHOW UP Act of 2023 This bill requires each executive agency to reinstate the telework policies that were in place on December 31, 2019. Agencies may not implement expanded telework policies unless the Office of Personnel Management certifies that such policies, among other requirements, will have a positive effect on the agency's mission and operational costs.
To require the head of each Executive agency to relocate 30 percent of the employees assigned to the headquarters of the Executive agency to duty stations outside the Washington metropolitan area, and for other purposes.
A bill to require the head of each Executive agency to relocate 30 percent of the employees assigned to the headquarters of the Executive agency to duty stations outside the Washington metropolitan area, and for other purposes.
A bill to require Federal agencies to impose in-person work requirements for employees of those agencies and to occupy a certain portion of the office space of those agencies, and for other purposes.
Require Employees To Uniformly Return Now Act or the RETURN Act This bill prohibits Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employees from teleworking during the period beginning five business days after the enactment of this bill and ending on the date on which the IRS certifies that the processing backlog for 2020 income tax returns has been eliminated. The Department of the Treasury may not obligate additional funds for the IRS until the date on which the IRS certifies the backlog has been eliminated.
Settlement Agreement Information Database Act of 2023 This bill requires executive agencies to submit information regarding settlement agreements to a public database. Specifically, an agency must submit information regarding any settlement agreement (including a consent decree) entered into by the agency related to an alleged violation of federal law. If an agency determines that information regarding an agreement must remain confidential to protect the public interest, the agency must publish an explanation of why the information is confidential.