Fed RTO Push: Talent Strategy or Risk?
Plus, solving the hybrid work disconnect with Phil Kirschner and Tim Oldman
👋 Happy Tuesday! According to Work Time Reduction x FlexOS' 'Rethinking the Workweek' study, 59% of workers would choose a 4-day workweek over fully remote work, even if it meant having to spend those four days fully in the office.
In this week’s edition:
🏃♂️ Fed RTO and Talent Exodus
📊 Flexibility by Industry
🎥 Exec vs Employee Roundtable
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THIS WEEK’S FLEX FOCUS 🔍
Trump’s RTO Push Will Likely Lead to Talent Exodus
The Trump administration's new RTO mandate for federal workers appears designed to shrink the federal workforce through attrition rather than direct cuts. Recent data shows 75% of remote-capable workers now face in-person requirements, up from 63% in 2023, indicating a broader shift as labor market conditions soften.
While private sector leaders like Amazon and JPMorgan have led similar initiatives, experts warn the federal mandate could severely impact government recruitment and retention, particularly in critical areas like IT and technology. Research shows remote work policies have previously helped the government compete for talent despite lower salaries, while improving diversity and productivity.
Though the order includes implementation flexibility and must contend with existing union agreements, it signals growing momentum for in-person work mandates across both public and private sectors. Critics argue this approach to workforce reduction could undermine government effectiveness, especially as agencies already struggle to compete with private sector opportunities.
FLEX WORK QUICK HITS 💥
Stay ahead of the curve with our curated roundup of the trending flexible work stories making waves right now. Here's what you need to know 👇
Bloomberg: MLB mandates five-day office return, following Amazon and AT&T, as corporate America continues post-pandemic workplace shift.
Business Insider: Federal employees express mixed reactions to Trump's RTO mandate, with some citing long commutes and family disruptions while others welcome increased workplace collaboration.
WorkLife: HR departments are grappling with a surge in remote work accommodation requests under ADA guidelines as companies push for office returns.
MarketWatch: Despite Trump's federal RTO mandate, experts predict remote work will persist as companies weigh recruitment and productivity benefits against growing pressure for office attendance.
STAT OF THE WEEK 📈
Work Location Flexibility by Industry
The data shows a clear divide between knowledge work and service-oriented industries in the US. Technology leads with 96% of companies offering flexibility, followed closely by Insurance at 92%. Financial Services, Professional Services, and Media & Entertainment all show strong flexibility rates above 80%.
On the opposite end, industries requiring physical presence have the lowest flexibility rates. Restaurants & Food Services (42%), Education (45%), and Hospitality (48%) offer the least location flexibility, likely due to their operational requirements.
Mid-range industries like Manufacturing & Logistics and Healthcare & Biotechnology maintain moderate flexibility rates around 65-70%, balancing remote work capabilities with on-site needs.
FLEXPERT INSIGHTS 🧠
The Great Debate: Executives vs Employees Round-Table
Hybrid work is here to stay, but are leaders and employees truly on the same page? Ever wondered why your CEO insists on returning to the office or why employees push for remote work?
Join this engaging debate to explore how to bridge the gap between executive goals and employee preferences while enhancing productivity, collaboration, and engagement.
We're welcoming these experts to lead the discussion:
Executive Perspective: Tim Oldman – Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Aéto, and Founder of the Leesman Index, bringing deep insights into workplace strategy and leadership priorities.
Workplace Leaders Perspective: Phil Kirschner – founder of PK Consulting who previously led workplace efforts at WeWork and McKinsey, a visionary in creating innovative, employee-centered teamwork solutions.
Here is your chance to hear both sides and be part of the conversation!
FLEX PERSPECTIVES 🎙️
ICYMI: Radical Candor in a Hybrid World | Kim Scott
In this episode of Flex Perspectives, Rob Sadow is joined by Kim Scott. Kim is the celebrated author of Radical Candor, which has sold more than a million copies, and the recently released Radical Respect.
Check out the full episode to learn:
How hybrid and distributed work influence how we engage with others in a work setting
Her personal journey to writing Radical Candor
Actionable takeaways for how to be a better executive or team member in a hybrid work setting
Also available on Apple Podcasts.
COMPANY SPOTLIGHT ✨
NOV is a leading global provider of technology-driven solutions for energy and industrial sectors such as oil, gas, and renewables, founded in 1841. With a vision to drive sustainable success by empowering their customers through innovative technology, their mission emphasizes safety, performance and environmental stewardship. The company, which is over 180 years old, boasts multiple office locations around the world, with its headquarters in Houston, Texas.
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