Federal employees in the D.C. area encouraged to work remotely and enjoy flexibility options as OPM prepares for an upcoming military parade
The United States Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has issued a memo, urging federal agencies to approve telework and other workforce flexibilities for employees in the Washington, D.C. area, due to preparations for a military parade scheduled for this Saturday.
The memo, addressed to federal chief human capital officers, advises agencies to use all communications tools at their disposal to inform employees of any relevant, agency-specific issues related to the parade preparations. The OPM's Associate Director, Veronica Hinton, highlights the agencies' ability to approve employee requests for time off, whether it be through annual leave, other authorized absences, or to accommodate alternative work schedules.
The military parade, billed as celebrating the Army's 250th anniversary, is expected to cost tens of millions of dollars and has been a subject of controversy. The memo states that these measures are to prevent disruptions and minimize distractions to law enforcement and security officials.
Beginning on June 11, 2025, employees reporting to a worksite in Washington, D.C., should expect delays in travel whether by private vehicle or public transportation. The memo warns of potential traffic congestion due to parade preparations. In light of this, the memo suggests allowing federal workers to telework or take leave to alleviate traffic congestion.
The Agriculture Department has directed some D.C.-area workers to work remotely for three weeks, as the department's headquarters will be used to house soldiers participating in the parade. President Trump had ordered the effective end of regularly scheduled telework across the federal workforce in January, but the memo seems to reverse this decision.
It's important to note that the government had lagged behind private industry in its usage of telework, despite evidence that the practice both improved productivity at federal agencies and was widely used in the private sector. In some cases, agencies disregarded provisions of union contracts governing telework.
Veronica Hinton, the Associate Director for workforce policy and innovation at OPM, has emphasised the need for agencies to be flexible and accommodating during this time to ensure the safety and productivity of their employees. The memo urges agencies to approve telework and other workforce flexibilities for impacted employees to prevent disruptions and minimise distractions to law enforcement and security officials.
Employees should be prepared for delays if they continue to commute later this week due to parade preparations. The memo reminds employees to allow extra time for travel and monitor local news media for street closures and public transportation disruptions.
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