Telework Sentiments at odds with ‘Future of Work’ Plans
Amidst the shifting landscapes of post-pandemic work environments, the VA’s “Future of Work” plans, as outlined by Secretary Denis McDonough, have raised eyebrows and elicited strong reactions from the VA’s dedicated workforce. As representatives of the rights of VA employees, the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 17 stands firmly in support of maximum telework opportunities. In light of the recent announcements, we set out to understand the telework sentiments of VA employees related to the proposed changes by publishing a survey for our members. The results were both revealing and deeply concerning.
Unwavering Telework Sentiments
A staggering 90.38% of respondents expressed disagreement with the proposed plan of mandating 50% in-office attendance. This dominant sentiment is a clear reflection of the workforce’s inclination towards maximizing telework options.
Interestingly, even when presented with a seemingly more flexible schedule, a significant 69.37% still preferred consistent telework schedules over sporadic in-office days. A majority, 85.26%, expressed their desire to telework for most of the workweek, underscoring the importance of telework in the optimal work environment.
Productivity and Collaboration – Not an Issue!
There’s a prevailing myth that remote work hampers team interactions and productivity. Our survey results overwhelmingly dispel this notion. An impressive 96.70% of respondents confirmed their ability to communicate and collaborate effectively during telework, and a similar 95.95% believe they are more productive when working from home.
The Personal Toll of Reduced Telework
Behind the numbers lie personal stories and challenges. Employees highlighted hardships they anticipate with a return to the office. Concerns ranged from longer commutes, associated health risks, to challenges in managing childcare and maintaining a work-life balance. The repeated mentions of “HOME”, “TIME”, “COMMUTE”, and “COST” in our open-ended questions provide a glimpse into the personal and financial implications of the proposed changes as well as provide insight into the telework sentiments of VA employees.
Voices from the VA Workforce
Here are some of the poignant responses from VA employees to our open-ended questions about the hardships introduced by returning to the office:
I have family members whom have health conditions where I run the risk of bringing COVID or other illnesses home. I am deeply concerned that my job will cause a medical emergency to my family.
The commute. The cost. The misery of doing the exact same thing I’m doing at home but in a cubicle. They don’t want us in the office so we can do more work. They want us in DC so we can spend money. It’s ridiculous.
The crime rate in D.C has soared within the last 3 years. As a Washingtonian, I have had my car broken into twice, my 13 year old daughter was robbed and jumped at 9:30AM in the morning on her way to the metro going to summer job. She still has nightmares. I don’t allow her to walk to school because of the crime in the city.
With the state of the economy and rising cost in everything, the cost of traveling back into work whether utilization of a personal vehicle or public transportation add a financial burden to myself and my family.
The Potential Exodus
Perhaps most alarmingly, among those eligible to retire, 67.10% would consider early retirement if their telework privileges were reduced. Further, 65.29% of those not eligible for retirement might consider leaving the VA if their telework options were curtailed. This potential talent drain, combined with the possible morale dip among the remaining staff, paints a worrying picture for the VA’s operational capabilities.
Our Stance
As AFGE Local 17, we urge the Department of Veterans Affairs to heed the voices of its dedicated employees. Our workforce, having demonstrated resilience and unwavering commitment, especially during these challenging times, deserves to have their perspectives at the forefront of decisions regarding a return to the office.
The proposed “Future of Work” plan seems overly restrictive and out of touch with the telework sentiments and well-being of VA employees. We remain committed to constructive dialogue and collaboration, and we are hopeful that the VA will re-evaluate its stance in light of the collective sentiments of its dedicated employees. After all, a motivated, satisfied, and well-supported workforce is integral to the VA’s mission of serving our veterans.
View the Full Report
For those interested in delving deeper into the telework sentiments survey results, you can view the full report by clicking the button below.
I suggest instead of bailing out Mayor Bowsers DC dilemma by advocating for 1990’s in office work reasoning. The Secretary step into the 21st century (specifically 2020’s) and realize we are a much more effective work force via max teleworking. We are at the behest of taxpayers monies not going to waste. Renting buildings (see VBA), commuter bus/metro contracts, wear and tear of roads, vehicles, and mental health should be what all decisions are based on not only for the workforce but for the tax payers too. I challenge the Secretary to provide a side by side list stipulating the benefits of coming into the office and AFGE can provide a counter list stipulating the opposite. Is having a disgruntled work force worth draconian in office schedules? Is it worth the loss of employees via retirement or other work opportunities so we can all be face to face in a meeting. Is it worth the possible health risk (COVID is here to stay) both physically and mentally so we the Professional work force can show our managers we are actually working? It make zero sense!