Update on Increased In-Office Presence

August 3, 2023

Dear FAA Colleagues:  

Since announcing our plans for increased in-office presence, there have understandably been questions and concerns from many of you. We are working to ensure robust employee and manager engagement as we move forward. 

We realize increasing in-office presence can be a challenge. Every Federal agency is grappling with how best to implement OMB’s direction while meeting their organization’s mission. Our safety mission and the demands of the growing and diversifying aviation and aerospace industry will continue to guide our decisions. It will require greater collaboration and engagement with internal and external stakeholders. 

So, what does this mean now? 

First, we will immediately increase our collaboration across the Agency and with our labor partners as we gather input on the business guidance for managers to use when updating telework agreements. This business guidance will answer questions about pre-pandemic and future workplace flexibilities (e.g., remote work, management of geographically dispersed teams, etc.). We will also provide information to address work environment needs (e.g., office space, hybrid technology, facility amenities, etc.). 

Second, until more work is done, we will hold on revising any current telework agreements, except where driven by immediate business needs, and in accordance with collective bargaining agreements.  

We remain committed to safety, global leadership, and operational excellence that the public, Congress, OMB, other stakeholders, and you, our employees, expect of us. As we continue to further the Agency’s mission and engage our workforce on our post-pandemic posture, please be assured that building and maintaining a high-performing workforce of dedicated employees and having FAA continue to be a great place to work remain top priorities.   

Thank you for your continued dedication and service to the flying public.