In one of his first moves after taking office in January 2025, President Trump signed an executive order directing agencies to end remote work arrangements “as soon as practicable” and bring employees back to their assigned duty stations, full-time. The result? A rushed, messy transition revealing just how unprepared many federal buildings—and the systems behind them—really are.
From overloaded facilities to IT meltdowns, it’s clear the infrastructure isn’t ready. But flex workspaces are. Scalable, secure, and stocked with the essentials, they offer a ready-made solution for agencies, contractors, and hybrid teams caught in the crosshairs of a chaotic return.
The Executive Order, explained
The new mandate, signed on January 20, calls on all federal departments and agencies to “take all necessary steps” to end remote work. That means employees must return to their assigned duty stations—on-site, full-time.
There’s no set deadline, but implementation is already underway. Some agencies, like the USDA and IRS, have already begun calling employees back. Others are still scrambling to match workers to viable spaces. One USDA worker was even sent to a storage unit—a space leased by the government to store a boat, not house a team!
Initial reactions? A mix of confusion, logistical gridlock, and a lot of backlogged IT tickets.
What this means for employers and the workforce
Federal agencies and contractors are now in a race against time. Many buildings sit underused or half-empty, not because people don’t want to work—but because the return plan wasn’t designed for this kind of volume. NPR reports widespread issues:
No desks available for returning employees
Cafeterias and bathrooms overwhelmed
Insecure or insufficient Wi-Fi
Lack of access to keys, parking, and essential equipment
Meeting rooms repurposed as makeshift desks (or vice versa)
And it’s not just federal employees feeling the squeeze. Contractors, vendors, consultants, and adjacent businesses that work closely with these agencies must now rethink how, when, and where they show up.
Hybrid workers are caught in the middle. Some still haven’t been told where they’ll be reporting. Others are being asked to relocate across the country on short notice.
Broader implications for cities and office-culture
This move is bigger than just logistics. It’s reigniting debates around the role of in-person work, sparking renewed interest in downtown real estate, and forcing a fresh conversation about what offices are actually for. For cities, the potential is two-fold:
A revitalized workforce could boost local foot traffic, transit ridership, and small businesses.
But without clear strategy or proper support, overwhelmed infrastructure could strain resources and frustrate commuters.
Culturally, the move reopens questions about productivity, collaboration, and what it truly means to “show up” for work. Face-to-face interaction can fuel connection and innovation—but only when the space supports it.
Why this matters for the flex office industry
This isn’t just a policy shift—it’s a moment of opportunity. For agencies and organizations that don’t have enough space—or aren’t ready to commit to long-term leases—flex workspaces are the perfect middle ground. From private offices to hot desks, convenient meeting rooms and more, there’s a space for you ready to book, check in, and do your best work.
With partners like Deskpass and Breather, government-adjacent teams can access flexible space across major cities (and suburbs), complete with everything from A/V-ready boardrooms to day-pass desks. It’s office space, without the strings. And for agencies dealing with outdated buildings or delayed renovation projects, this is a pressure release valve.
How flex spaces bridge the gap
Here’s how federal contractors, support teams, and adjacent businesses are using flex workspaces right now:
Desks on demand: Employees without permanent assignments can book secure, professional environments near home or near their assigned agency.
Meeting rooms for collaboration: Need to host an in-person strategy session, check-in, or training day? Spaces with whiteboards, presentation screens, and breakout areas are ready to go.
Privacy-compliant setups: Telehealth professionals, legal teams, and others who handle sensitive data can opt for private offices with secure networks and soundproofing.
Hybrid support: For organizations still balancing remote and in-person work, flex spaces provide a way to scale up or down as needed—no need to overcommit on square footage.
And let’s be honest: in a moment where returning employees are scrambling for desks, Wi-Fi, and basic facilities, flex workspaces offer a refreshing alternative that’s already equipped and operational.
A new era of work—and a smarter way to support it
Whether or not the federal return-to-office mandate sticks long term, one thing is already clear: the path back won’t be simple.
Agencies are dealing with legacy buildings, frozen budgets, and the logistical headaches of matching millions of workers to spaces that may not exist yet—or were never designed for full capacity. But work still needs to happen. Projects still need to move forward—and people still need somewhere to go.
Teams are turning to Deskpass for this exact reason. With access to thousands of coworking spaces, private offices, and meeting rooms across North America and beyond, Deskpass gives organizations a way to meet the moment—with flexibility, professionalism, and no need to fight for parking or paper towels.
The desks are out there (and they have wifi)
The return-to-office mandate has stirred up more questions than answers—but flexible workspaces are already meeting the moment with real, actionable solutions.
If you’re a federal contractor, a policy strategist, or part of a hybrid team trying to navigate this moment, now’s the time to think differently. Skip the chaos. Book a space that works. Explore Deskpass and see how flex can meet federal—without the friction.
Get a complimentary $250 Deskpass credit when you sign up for a Teams account today.