Your cart is currently empty!
Tag: employees
WATCH: Sen. Warner tells federal employees to ‘think twice’ about offer of deferred resignation
Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., questioned Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Wednesday in his confirmation hearing for health and human services secretary.
Watch the video in our player above.
Warner touched on President Donald Trump’s recent offer to millions of federal employees that would let them resign and work from home through September.
READ MORE: Trump offers all federal workers a buyout with nearly 8 months’ pay
The senator said workers should ask themselves: “Has this individual in his business world ever fulfilled his contracts or obligations to any workers in the past?”
Warner asked Kennedy if he’d commit to not firing any federal worker who is focused on food safety. Kennedy did not directly answer. In a later exchange, he said that “I will commit to not firing anybody who’s doing their jobs.” Warner asked if that assessment would come from Kennedy’s opinion or Trump’s agenda. Kennedy replied: “My opinion.”
For years, Kennedy, an environmental lawyer, has spread misinformation and falsehoods about vaccines and their safety, including the heavily debunked claim that they cause autism. Kennedy has also promoted drinking raw milk, which the Food and Drug Administration says can pose a “serious health risk.” His views on these issues and others have prompted concern among health experts about his nomination.
Kennedy, the son of Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy, ran for president as an independent in 2024 before dropping out of the race and endorsing Trump.
In a recent interview, Senator Warner issued a warning to federal employees considering the offer of deferred resignation. He urged them to “think twice” before making a decision that could potentially impact their careers and livelihoods. Watch the full video to hear his perspective on this important issue.
Tags:
- Sen. Warner
- Federal employees
- Deferred resignation
- Senator Warner
- Government employees
- Career advice
- Federal job security
- Employment tips
- Government workforce
- Senator Warner speech
#WATCH #Sen #Warner #tells #federal #employees #offer #deferred #resignation
Lawsuit alleges new Trump administration email system for federal employees raises privacy concerns
CNN
—
A lawsuit brought by two federal employees alleges that the Trump administration has set up an email distribution system for the entire federal workforce that raises security concerns for workers’ private data.
The lawsuit accuses the US Office of Personnel Management – which handles many personnel operations for the federal government – of failing to do an assessment required by federal law to understand and mitigate any privacy risks in how the alleged new email system is collecting data of federal employees.
The new legal challenge comes as the Trump administration has launched a multi-front effort to overhaul how the federal workforce operates, including initiatives to weaken federal workforce protections and to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs, among other actions.
According to the new lawsuit, federal employees in recent days received emails from the email address HR@opm.gov that purported to be running tests for a new “distribution and response list.”
“The goal of these tests is to confirm that an email can be sent and replied to by all government employees,” one of the emails said, according to the lawsuit, while asking the employees to respond to the emails to confirm receipt.
CNN has reached out to OPM for comment on the lawsuit.
The complaint goes on to cite concerns allegedly raised by an anonymous OPM employee that were posted on the online forum Reddit Monday about how the email distribution system was set up.
CNN previously reported the Trump administration is working on an effort to be able to mass email federal employees. A White House official told CNN last week that President Donald Trump may use the new system to communicate directly with government workers, however, its broader use is still being discussed.
A federal employee who received the test email told CNN last week that employees have not been given any additional Information about the intent behind this new system. A couple of employees told CNN they chose not to respond “yes” as the email instructs to confirm receipt as an act of resistance, one of them said. “Small acts such as one person not responding to that email seem minuscule; however, they add up when it is done collectively,” a career federal employee said.
The federal employees bringing the lawsuit filed the case under pseudonyms. They are seeking to file the case as a class action lawsuit.
They’re being represented by Kel McClanahan, the executive director of National Security Counselors, a law firm that represents federal employees and that also brought a legal challenge last week to the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency.
In a statement to CNN, McClanahan noted that OPM has already been hacked in recent years, including a hack that targeted a security clearance system that would have “presumably” been “very well protected.”
“Plugging in a new email service for the sole purpose of sending messages directly to every federal employee is an invitation to be hacked, and every employee out there needs to know how much of their data is at risk,” McClanahan said, adding that the system should be shut down “until OPM treats this data with the security it warrants.”
CNN’s Alayna Treene and Rene Marsh contributed to this report.
A recent lawsuit has been filed against the Trump administration, alleging that a new email system implemented for federal employees raises serious privacy concerns. The lawsuit claims that the new system, known as “Eagle Mail,” fails to adequately protect employees’ personal information and communications.According to the lawsuit, Eagle Mail requires federal employees to use their government-issued email accounts for all official communications, including personal emails. This means that employees’ personal messages could potentially be accessed and monitored by government officials without their knowledge or consent.
The lawsuit also alleges that Eagle Mail lacks proper encryption and security measures to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access or hacking. This raises concerns about the potential for employees’ personal and confidential information to be exposed or misused.
The plaintiffs in the lawsuit are seeking to have Eagle Mail declared unconstitutional and to have the Trump administration implement stronger privacy protections for federal employees’ email communications. They argue that the current system violates employees’ Fourth Amendment rights to privacy and protection from unreasonable searches and seizures.
As the lawsuit moves forward, it will be important to monitor how the Trump administration responds to these allegations and whether any changes are made to address the privacy concerns raised by Eagle Mail. In the meantime, federal employees may want to exercise caution when using their government-issued email accounts for personal communications to protect their privacy and sensitive information.
Tags:
- Trump administration email system
- Federal employees
- Privacy concerns
- Lawsuit
- Government email system
- Trump administration
- Employee privacy
- Email privacy
- Federal lawsuit
- Government privacy issues
#Lawsuit #alleges #Trump #administration #email #system #federal #employees #raises #privacy #concerns
Choose Happiness @ Work: The Fun Ice Breaker Card Game for Team Building, Problem Solving & Happier Employees
Price:$49.00– $34.00
(as of Jan 24,2025 08:41:30 UTC – Details)
Choose Happiness @ Work is a fun, revolutionary, office card game rooted in positive psychology and neuroscience that provides real workplace solutions and builds team morale, rapport, and performance. Studies show that a boost in happiness raises productivity by 12 to 25%, so this tool pays for itself very quickly! Choose Happiness @ Work consists of over 50 scenarios cards that identify common workplace situations and 100 evidence-based solution cards. The rules are simple: Each player is dealt 7 orange solution cards. The Judge draws 3 grey scenario cards and plays 1 of them to start. All other players must play a solution card while convincing the Judge why they feel their solution is the best. Then the Judge chooses the most helpful and creative responses. Each box can be played with up to 10 people (or 20 with teams of 2). Games can last anywhere from 5 minutes to forever; it’s up to you! Bonus: each box comes with 7 facilitation strategies, a facilitator’s guide, and exclusive access to online resources and a database of scientific sources. 30-day money back guarantee. Choose happiness!
FUN, REFRESHING & EFFECTIVE WAY TO BUILD STRONG TEAMS: It’s Apples to Apples for the office, where you take turns choosing the best solution for a real workplace scenario. Win points, learn solutions you can apply at work, break the ice, and build rapport.
BOOST HAPPINESS, ENGAGEMENT, CREATIVITY & PRODUCTIVITY: Our revolutionary card game is designed to get you and your team thinking, laughing, talking about hard issues, and leaving empowered to tackle the work day with greater motivation, performance, teamwork, and purpose.
HUNDREDS OF CARDS FOR GREATER REPLAYABILITY: 50+ real workplace scenario cards and 100+ evidence-based solutions cards broken out into 4 categories: Practice Positivity, Subdue Stress, Flow to Goals, and Revitalize Relationships.
100% GROUNDED IN POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY & NEUROSCIENCE: Research shows that happier brains are 12 to 25% more productive. Playing games also helps speed and ease the process to activate critical thinking, improve communication, reduce stress at work, and more.
TRUSTED BY LEADERS, CEOs & FORTUNE 500 COMPANIES: We’ve helped leading organizations to thrive from 9-5, including NBC, Nike, Dreamworks, Intel, Hewlett-Packard, and Kaiser Permanente.
3-10+ PLAYERS. GAME LASTS ANYWHERE FROM 5 MINUTES TO FOREVER (you decide!)
Are you looking for a fun and engaging way to boost morale, improve teamwork, and promote problem-solving skills in your workplace? Look no further than Choose Happiness @ Work: The Fun Ice Breaker Card Game!This innovative game is designed to help employees break the ice, foster better communication, and strengthen relationships within your team. By playing this game, you can create a positive and inclusive work environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
Choose Happiness @ Work is not just a game – it’s a tool for building a happier and more productive workforce. With a variety of thought-provoking questions and challenges, this game will encourage your team to think creatively, collaborate effectively, and have fun while doing it.
So why wait? Choose Happiness @ Work today and watch as your team becomes more engaged, motivated, and connected. Happy employees are productive employees – and this game is the key to unlocking their full potential. Order your copy now and start building a happier workplace today!
#Choose #Happiness #Work #Fun #Ice #Breaker #Card #Game #Team #Building #Problem #Solving #Happier #Employees,worst therapist gameTrump requires federal employees to return to in-person work
Rep. Mark Harris, R-N.C., expresses confidence in passing Trump’s legislative priorities through both Republican-controlled chambers and the ‘strong indication’ that America is a world leader again.
As promised on the campaign trail, President Donald Trump signed an executive order requiring federal employees to return to in-person work.
The order comes after Trump indicated that he planned to push back on former President Joe Biden’s move allowing federal workers to remain in a hybrid work arrangement through 2029.
“Heads of all departments and agencies in the executive branch of Government shall, as soon as practicable, take all necessary steps to terminate remote work arrangements and require employees to return to work in-person at their respective duty stations on a full-time basis, provided that the department and agency heads shall make exemptions they deem necessary,” the order reads.
Agencies must begin the move to fully in-person work by 5 p.m. on Friday, the order stated.
TRUMP WILL FIGHT BIDEN REMOTE WORK DEAL; UNION VOWS TO FIGHT BACK
President Donald Trump signs a series of executive orders at the White House on Jan. 20, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Jabin Botsford /The Washington Post via Getty Images / Getty Images)
Elon Musk leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and is tasked with finding ways to cut government spending and improve the efficiency of federal initiatives.
One of those initiatives was ending remote work and viewing the requirement that federal workers return to the office as a way of spurring voluntary layoffs.
THOUSANDS OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES LAND DEAL TO CONTINUE TELEWORK WITH BIDEN ADMIN APPOINTEE: REPORT
“Requiring federal employees to come to the office five days a week would result in a wave of voluntary terminations that we welcome: If federal employees don’t want to show up, American taxpayers shouldn’t pay them for the COVID-era privilege of staying home,” Musk wrote in an op-ed published with Vivek Ramaswamy, former DOGE co-leader, in The Wall Street Journal last month.
President Donald Trump delivers his inaugural address after being sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on Jan. 20 in Washington, D.C. (Chip Somodevilla/Pool/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
In addition to the return-to-work order, Trump also signed an order freezing the hiring of federal civilian employees, to be applied throughout the executive branch.
The order stated, “As part of this freeze, no Federal civilian position that is vacant at noon on January 20, 2025, may be filled, and no new position may be created except as otherwise provided for in this memorandum or other applicable law.”
The freeze excludes military personnel and positions related to immigration enforcement, national security and public safety.
President Trump announced today that all federal employees will be required to return to in-person work beginning next week. This decision comes as the administration pushes for a full reopening of the economy and a return to normalcy.The move has sparked mixed reactions among federal workers, with some expressing concerns about the safety of returning to the office amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Others welcome the return to in-person work, citing the benefits of face-to-face collaboration and communication.
The administration has assured employees that safety measures will be put in place to protect their health, including social distancing protocols, regular cleaning of workspaces, and the availability of personal protective equipment.
It remains to be seen how federal agencies will navigate the challenges of returning to in-person work while also ensuring the safety and well-being of their employees. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
Tags:
- Trump administration
- Federal employees
- In-person work
- Return to work
- Workplace safety
- COVID-19 guidelines
- Government employees
- Remote work policy
- Employee health
- Workforce management
#Trump #requires #federal #employees #return #inperson #work
Internal Memos Instruct New York City Government Employees to Block ICE Raids
As President Donald Trump repealed years of precedent strongly discouraging immigration raids in schools, houses of worship, hospitals and other “sensitive locations,” Mayor Eric Adams on Tuesday declined to explain how the city will respond if federal agents start showing up at city facilities.
But behind the scenes it’s a different story, with local government agency heads in the last few days distributing advisories instructing staff to block access to any non-local law enforcement, even if presented with a judicial warrant. City employees were ordered instead to contact city lawyers who must authorize access.
Staff at the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), for example, got a universal “all staff reminder” Friday requiring them to contact the agency’s general counsel if any non-federal law enforcement agent — including from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or the FBI — show up demanding access to facilities managed by DCAS.
The advisory from DCAS Commissioner Louis Molina and General Counsel J. Carolina Chavez says that “DCAS employees cannot grant access without first getting authorization from the General Counsel’s Office,” then advises staff to get the agent’s name and badge number, the phone number of a supervisor and an explanation of the purpose of the visit.
DCAS staff must obtain a copy of the warrant or take a photo of it and provide that to general counsel, then “politely direct the officer to wait outside” while they await further guidance from agency lawyers. The DCAS advisory implies that administratively issued warrants will not be acceptable.
DCAS oversees dozens of city-owned and leased buildings and is in charge of maintaining state courts in the five boroughs. Under state law, the courts already require non-local law enforcement to present a judicial warrant to gain access to courthouses while performing immigration enforcement.
The only exception to the new DCAS directive relates to “exigent circumstances” in which non-local law enforcement say access to a city facility is required due to “hot pursuit of a suspect or imminent risk of death or physical harm.” In that case, DCAS staff is instructed to “not attempt to forcefully deny entry” but to notify the general counsel’s office “immediately.”
DCAS did not respond to a request for comment from THE CITY.
A sign directs people to the entrance of a Department of Homeless Services-run shelter. Credit: Ben Fractenberg/THE CITY The city’s Department of Education sent out a similar directive to principals earlier this month, linking long-standing DOE guidance with even stronger language: “DOE does not consent to non-local law enforcement accessing school facilities in any circumstances, and principals and other school personnel may not give consent.”
The directive requires educators to first consult with a “Senior Field Counsel” even if ICE agents present a judicial warrant. Even if there are “exigent circumstances, such as imminent risk of death or physical harm,” principals must still contact the Education Department counsel, the NYPD and school safety agents on site.
In a Jan. 2 email blast to nonprofit providers who run hundreds of city shelters and other facilities, whose clients include many recent immigrants, the city’s Department of Social Services Commissioner, Molly Park, reminded them of the department’s policy for handling visits by non-local authorities like those from ICE.
“Non-local law enforcement officials, including federal officers and agents, may not enter DHS or HRA facilities, including those operated by a DHS or HRA provider/vendor, without a warrant signed by a judge, except in exigent circumstances,” the email read.
“In the event non-local law enforcement present a warrant signed by a judge, and before granting entry, DHS and its providers/vendors should immediately notify the appropriate Program Administrator and the DSS General Counsel.”
‘We’re Going to Follow the Law’
Beneath the bureaucratic language, the local government officials’ new memoranda speak to a sudden, lurching shift in immigration enforcement, departing from more than a decade of precedent.
A 2011 Obama-era memorandum barred most immigration enforcement in “sensitive locations” like schools, hospitals and houses of worship. Former President Biden updated the guidelines in 2021, adding other locations like playgrounds, recreation centers, homeless shelters, funerals, gravesites and rallies, among others.
The internal guidance did not appear to change during Trump’s first four years in office. But this time around, Trump repealed the memo in one of his first actions as president, according to a Tuesday press release from his Department of Homeland Security. The move was widely expected following reporting from NBC last month that a change was in the works.
P.S. 157 in Bed-Stuy has taken over 100 migrant children staying at the Hall Street shelter, Feb. 14, 2024. Credit: Ben Fractenberg/THE CITY Despite a flurry of warnings from city agencies in recent weeks about the prospect of ICE raids, Adams continued to avoid answering specific questions during his once-a-week availability to reporters Tuesday about how the city will handle Trump’s promised mass-deportation campaign.
“We’re telling our team to follow the law. The law is clear. We’re going to follow the law,” Adams said.
The mayor has steadfastly withheld any criticism of Trump, who has implied he might offer a pardon to the mayor related to the federal bribery and campaign finance fraud charges he currently faces.
Adams met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago over the weekend, then accepted a last-minute invitation to Trump’s inauguration Monday, cancelling his previously planned appearances at New York City events commemorating Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday.
Adams declined multiple requests from reporters to give his opinion about Trump’s Monday executive orders pardoning some 1,500 people involved in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riots and attempt to end birthright citizenship.
In response to several questions about how the city will respond to Trump’s initiatives, the mayor said, “Our team has been trained and we’ve done some training sessions,” but refused to provide details.
Asked for additional comment, Adams spokesperson Liz Garcia shared a Dec. 30 email from his chief of staff, Camille Verlack, that reaffirmed “our leadership’s commitment to stand firmly by the values that have made New York City a thriving city of immigrants, regardless of immigration status.” The communication went on to describe the city’s sanctuary protections that bar city officials from participating in immigration enforcement actions.
But following Trump’s election, the mayor has expressed doubts about the sanctuary laws in question.
Longstanding city laws and executive orders bar city government agencies from cooperating with immigration enforcement and even inquiring about immigration status, with limited exceptions for people convicted of certain violent felonies.
In December, after the City Council reaffirmed its support to keep those laws in place, Adams floated the idea of also finding ways to cooperate with federal law enforcement when it comes to undocumented immigrants who have been charged with violent felonies.
Naveed Hasan, an elected parent-member of the city’s Panel for Education Policy, said that while he is grateful the Department of Education has made it clear internally how schools are supposed to act if ICE turns up at their doors, the mayor’s failure to do so was causing a lot of uneasiness among educators.
“This could be said strongly by a mayor if he didn’t have an issue around needing something from the current president,” he said. “The last administration, Mayor de Blasio, was a champion of New York City residents. So to not have that in City Hall right now is causing a lot of consternation and a lot of paranoia.”
Related
In a shocking turn of events, internal memos have surfaced revealing that New York City government employees have been instructed to actively block ICE raids within the city. This directive comes amidst growing tensions between federal immigration enforcement agencies and local governments.The memos, which were leaked to the media, instruct employees to refuse entry to ICE agents without a warrant and to report any ICE activity to city officials immediately. The goal of these memos is to protect undocumented immigrants living in New York City from deportation and to uphold the city’s status as a sanctuary city.
This move has sparked controversy and debate among city officials, with some applauding the decision to protect immigrant communities and others criticizing the potential legal ramifications of defying federal immigration authorities.
As the debate continues to unfold, it is clear that tensions between local and federal government regarding immigration enforcement are at an all-time high. Stay tuned for further developments on this story.
Tags:
- New York City government
- ICE raids
- Internal memos
- Government employees
- NYC immigration policies
- Workplace instructions
- Employee guidelines
- Immigration enforcement
- NYC government news
- Immigration crackdowns
#Internal #Memos #Instruct #York #City #Government #Employees #Block #ICE #Raids
Stripe Sends Cartoon To Fired Employees
Getting your ducks in a row, during layoffs.
Stripe, a payment technology company and the Bay Area’s second most valuable startup, sent layoff notices to 300 workers Monday – accidentally sending a cartoon picture along with the news. The picture, attached as a PDF, is a cartoon image of a yellow duckling, with the label, “US-Non-California Duck”, according to reports from Business Insider. Rob McIntosh, the company’s chief people officer, sent an email that expressed his regret to those who received the duck. “I apologize for the error and any confusion it caused,” he added. “Corrected and full notifications have since been sent to all impacted Stripes,” he shared, using the company’s internal nickname for its workers.
Layoffs were primarily in product and operations roles, with some in engineering affected as well. Additionally, some impacted staff were sent an incorrect termination date in email. The company, headquartered in South San Francisco with dual headquarters in Dublin, has about 7,000 employees. It’s the largest privately-owned fintech company, with a valuation that hovers around $65 billion.
Layoffs: How to Get It Right
A bizarre misstep of sending a cartoon to laid off employees is a great way to add insult to injury. In 2022, when Stripe announced it was laying off 14% of its workforce, Patrick and John Collison, the company’s cofounders, were contrite. Their message, which was praised for its candor and vulnerability, said in part, “We’re very sorry to be taking this step and John and I are fully responsible for the decisions leading up to it.”
Note the ownership in the message. The CEO didn’t duck responsibility. Details were provided, regarding the severance packages and more. “Most importantly,” the memo continues, “while this is definitely not the separation we would have wanted or imagined when we were making hiring decisions, we want everyone that is leaving to know that we care about you as former colleagues and appreciate everything you’ve done for Stripe.” The consideration and respect shown here is vital, when parting ways.
When Layoffs Happen, It’s No Joke
Layoffs in technology are prevalent, as white collar workers are experiencing a shrinkage of opportunity. For leaders who are letting people go, layoffs are not a laughing matter. Sending random cartoon images with ridiculous captions is perhaps an honest mistake. But the impact is no joke. It’s the exact opposite of the kind of leadership communication that Stripe’s executives have shown in the past.
Workers, even those who are perhaps low performers, are offering dedication, time and service – trading time and effort to help a business grow. When that service is no longer needed, respect still is. When letting people go, it’s vital to understand the emotional impact of the decision. While that impact is not necessarily the responsibility of the employer, acknowledgement is. Recognizing the service of employees, during a layoff, is the best way to part ways.
As layoffs become more prevalent for managers and tech companies, leaders need to get the communication right. Stripe has shown in the past that they can do that – and with multiple layoffs announced over the last few years, they’ve had some practice. The prior memo from CEO Collison is a master class in respect – making a necessary transition as compassionate as possible. Layoffs are not a time for cutesy images – it’s a time for caring, consideration and appreciation, as those let go have to find what’s next.
Recently, online payment processing company Stripe made headlines when they sent a cartoon to their fired employees. The cartoon depicted a person being pushed off a cliff with the caption “You’re fired!” This move sparked outrage and controversy among current and former employees, as well as the general public.Many criticized Stripe for their insensitivity and lack of empathy towards their employees who were let go. Some felt that the cartoon was a disrespectful way to deliver such news and showed a disregard for the impact that losing a job can have on someone’s livelihood and mental wellbeing.
Stripe has since issued an apology for their actions and stated that the cartoon was not meant to be sent to fired employees. They have acknowledged that it was a mistake and have promised to take steps to ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of handling employee terminations with care and respect. It is crucial for companies to communicate such news in a professional and empathetic manner, as it can have a lasting impact on their employees’ perceptions of the organization.
Tags:
- Stripe news
- Cartoon firings
- Stripe layoffs
- Employee termination
- Corporate communication
- Cartoon memo
- Workplace humor
- Employment news
- Company culture
- HR communication
#Stripe #Sends #Cartoon #Fired #Employees
Trump orders all federal DEI employees placed on paid leave starting Wednesday
The Trump administration is ordering all federal employees in diversity, equity and inclusion roles placed on paid leave by Wednesday evening, according to a new memo from the Office of Personnel Management.
The memo, issued Tuesday to heads of departments and agencies, sets a deadline of no later than 5 p.m. ET Wednesday to inform the employees that they will be put on paid administrative leave as the agencies prepare to close all DEI-related offices and programs and to remove all websites and social media accounts for such offices.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday ending “radical and wasteful” diversity, equity and inclusion programs in federal agencies, with DEI offices and programs being ordered to shut down.
“President Trump campaigned on ending the scourge of DEI from our federal government and returning America to a merit based society where people are hired based on their skills, not for the color of their skin,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement Tuesday night. “This is another win for Americans of all races, religions, and creeds. Promises made, promises kept.”
It wasn’t immediately clear how many employees would be affected.
The memo also asks federal agencies to submit “a written plan for executing a reduction-in-force action” regarding the employees in DEI roles by Jan. 31.
Near the end of his first term in 2020, Trump signed an executive order prohibiting federal DEI programs. President Joe Biden countered that by signing actions aimed at racial equality shortly after he took office in 2021.
President Trump has issued a new executive order mandating that all federal employees working in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) roles be placed on paid leave starting this Wednesday. This controversial move has sparked outrage and debate among government officials, with many questioning the motives behind the decision.Critics argue that this move is a blatant attempt to undermine efforts to promote diversity and equality within the federal government. DEI initiatives have been crucial in addressing systemic inequalities and promoting inclusivity in the workplace, and putting these employees on leave could disrupt important progress in these areas.
Supporters of the order, however, argue that it is a necessary step to address concerns about the effectiveness and efficiency of DEI programs in the federal government. They believe that a reevaluation of these initiatives is needed to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used responsibly and effectively.
The implications of this executive order remain to be seen, but one thing is clear: it has ignited a heated debate about the future of diversity and inclusion efforts within the federal government. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
Tags:
- Trump administration
- Federal employees
- DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)
- Paid leave
- Government employees
- Trump executive order
- Workplace diversity
- Employment policies
- Federal regulations
- Government workforce
#Trump #orders #federal #DEI #employees #paid #leave #starting #Wednesday
Exclusive: DHS ends teleworking, requires employees to work in person
Acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman on Monday evening ordered all DHS employees back to work, following an executive order from President Donald Trump on his first day in office, according to an internal memo obtained by ABC News.
The order effectively and abruptly ended teleworking at the department.
Huffman said that while remote work “can be an important tool under the right circumstances,” it can also be rife with abuse.
The entrance to the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency, which operates within the Department of Homeland Security, on October 12, 2024, in Washington, D.C.
J. David Ake/Getty Images
Huffman said that in 2024, 28.9% of total hours worked the Federal Emergency Management Agency and 24.4% of total hours worked by U.S. Coast Guard personnel — a branch of the armedservices tasked with protecting our coasts — were done remotely.
He also said that for the Cyber Security and Infrastructure Security Agency, 39.7% of hours worked were remote.
“These numbers are unacceptable,” Huffman wrote. “It is the policy of this agency for employees to work at their duty station — whether in an office or in the field — to the maximum extent.”
Huffman also said that within 30 days, each component of DHS would need to submit a report regarding all officials who have not returned to work, the reasons for it and documentation supporting the reason for each official’s continuing remote work.
“Reasons might include lack of adequate office space, physical inability of the employee, or a legal impediment,” he wrote.
“Any guidance, policy, or directive of this agency that is inconsistent with this memorandum is hereby rescinded, to the extent consistent with applicable legal requirements,” Huffman added.
Huffman’s instructions followed a return-to-work mandate for federal workers that was signed by Trump on his first day back in the White House.
In a surprising move, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the end of teleworking for its employees, requiring them to work in person starting immediately.This decision comes as a shock to many DHS employees who have been working remotely for over a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The move is being met with mixed reactions, with some employees expressing relief at the return to a more traditional work environment, while others are concerned about the health and safety implications of returning to the office.
According to DHS officials, the decision to end teleworking was made in order to increase productivity and collaboration among employees. The agency believes that working in person will lead to better communication and a more cohesive team dynamic.
However, some employees are worried about the potential health risks of returning to the office, especially as the Delta variant continues to spread. Many are calling on DHS to provide more guidance and resources to ensure a safe work environment for all employees.
As this story continues to develop, it will be interesting to see how DHS employees adapt to this new policy and how it will impact the agency’s operations moving forward. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
Tags:
- DHS teleworking policy
- Department of Homeland Security in-person work
- DHS employee requirements
- Teleworking changes at DHS
- DHS work from home updates
- Department of Homeland Security telecommuting policy
- DHS remote work guidelines
- In-person work mandate at DHS
- DHS telework restrictions
- Department of Homeland Security office work requirements
#Exclusive #DHS #ends #teleworking #requires #employees #work #person
DHS Secretary Abruptly Ends Remote Work; Orders Employees To Return To Office
DHS Secretary Abruptly Ends Remote Work; Orders Employees To Return To Office. (Photo by Jason … [+]
It continues. What first seemed like a pulling back of sorts from remote work now appears to be a full-blown backlash. More and more companies—and their executives—are announcing return-to-office (RTO) mandates and developing polices to wholly end remote-work arrangements for employees. It’s DHS this time.
DHS administers President Trump’s order to end remote work.
On Monday, President Trump began his second term ordering an end to remote work via executive order for federal government employees. Secretary Huffman is demonstrating that he received the message. Huffman ordered a full end to remote work for DHS employees the same day.
Luke Barr reports that ABC News gained exclusive access to a DHS internal memo verifying that Benjamine Huffman, acting secretary for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), ordered that his executive team require respective employees return to office in-person, five days a week.
Ending remote work is becoming popular.
Remote work expanded and strengthened over the past five years, and governments and corporations led the way. Now, it’s precisely governments and corporations which are leading the way for its downfall.
Some large organizations have recently decided to reduce or fully eliminate remote-work options for employees. You have the likes of Walmart, AT&T, Amazon and JPMorgan calling it quits on remote work.
DHS gives employees 30 days to comply with the end to remote work.
Secretary Huffman informed DHS employees that the percentage of time allocated for remote work is unacceptable. In the memo ABC News verified, Huffman informs that, “It is the policy of this agency for employees to work at their duty station — whether in an office or in the field — to the maximum extent.”
Huffman’s executive team has 30 days to execute his order and ensure all employees are in compliance with the new in-person, in-office policy or that they provide evidence or documentation to support the contrary.
Secretary Huffman has requested a full listing of every employee who—after 30 days—still isn’t working in person. These individuals will need to provide an acceptable reason for consideration or, likely, need to make alternative employment decisions.
In order to ensure compliance with his order and minimize conflicts, Huffman noted that any and all policies or directives that create a conflict with his order to end remote work must be rescinded.
Recommended reading:
Trump Signs Order Ending Remote Work; Mandates Federal Workers Return To Office
The JPMorgan Memo Ends Remote Work And Tells Employees To Return To Office
5 Remote Jobs Hiring At $200,000+ With No College Degree Required
Nail The Interview: Answer ‘Why Should We Hire You’ Like A Pro
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary has just made a surprising announcement, ordering all employees to return to the office immediately and end remote work arrangements. This sudden decision has left many employees scrambling to make arrangements for their return to the office.The Secretary cited the need for increased collaboration, communication, and security as the primary reasons for bringing all employees back to the office. This move comes as a shock to many employees who have grown accustomed to working remotely during the pandemic.
Some employees are expressing concerns about the abrupt nature of this decision and the lack of notice given to make necessary arrangements. Others are worried about the potential health risks of returning to a crowded office environment.
It remains to be seen how this sudden change will impact morale, productivity, and overall work-life balance for DHS employees. Stay tuned for updates on how this decision plays out in the coming weeks.
Tags:
- DHS Secretary
- Remote work
- Return to office
- Department of Homeland Security
- Employee orders
- Workplace changes
- Work from home policy
- Office environment
- Government workforce
- Remote work transition.
#DHS #Secretary #Abruptly #Ends #Remote #Work #Orders #Employees #Return #Office
Exclusive: DHS ends teleworking, requires employees to work in person
Acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman on Monday evening ordered all DHS employees back to work, following an executive order from President Donald Trump on his first day in office, according to an internal memo obtained by ABC News.
The order effectively and abruptly ended teleworking at the department.
Huffman said that while remote work “can be an important tool under the right circumstances,” it can also be rife with abuse.
The entrance to the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency, which operates within the Department of Homeland Security, on October 12, 2024, in Washington, D.C.
J. David Ake/Getty Images
Huffman said that in 2024, 28.9% of total hours worked the Federal Emergency Management Agency and 24.4% of total hours worked by U.S. Coast Guard personnel — a branch of the armedservices tasked with protecting our coasts — were done remotely.
He also said that for the Cyber Security and Infrastructure Security Agency, 39.7% of hours worked were remote.
“These numbers are unacceptable,” Huffman wrote. “It is the policy of this agency for employees to work at their duty station — whether in an office or in the field — to the maximum extent.”
Huffman also said that within 30 days, each component of DHS would need to submit a report regarding all officials who have not returned to work, the reasons for it and documentation supporting the reason for each official’s continuing remote work.
“Reasons might include lack of adequate office space, physical inability of the employee, or a legal impediment,” he wrote.
“Any guidance, policy, or directive of this agency that is inconsistent with this memorandum is hereby rescinded, to the extent consistent with applicable legal requirements,” Huffman added.
Huffman’s instructions followed a return-to-work mandate for federal workers that was signed by Trump on his first day back in the White House.
In a major shift, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that it will be ending teleworking for its employees and requiring them to work in person. This decision comes as the agency aims to increase collaboration, productivity, and accountability among its workforce.The move to end teleworking will impact thousands of DHS employees who have been working remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, they will be expected to report to their assigned workplaces on a full-time basis.
According to a spokesperson for DHS, the decision to end teleworking was made after careful consideration of the agency’s operational needs and the desire to maintain a strong presence in the office. The spokesperson emphasized that in-person work is essential for fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie among employees.
While some employees may be disappointed by the news, others may welcome the return to in-person work as a chance to reconnect with colleagues and work more effectively as a team.
It remains to be seen how this change will impact the overall productivity and morale of DHS employees, but one thing is for certain: the agency is taking a bold step towards bringing its workforce back together in person.
Tags:
- DHS teleworking policy
- Department of Homeland Security in-person work
- DHS employee work requirements
- Remote work policy changes
- Telecommuting rules at DHS
- DHS office work expectations
- DHS telework update
- Department of Homeland Security work from home
- DHS in-office mandate
- Teleworking restrictions at DHS
#Exclusive #DHS #ends #teleworking #requires #employees #work #person
