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USDA: Return to work update

January 31, 2022

USDA seal (new 2022)
  
 

Good afternoon, 
  
We remain grateful for the efforts you have taken to get vaccinated, boosted and otherwise follow our workplace safety plan to keep yourself and those around you safe and healthy. The science has continued to show us that vaccinations significantly reduce the impacts of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus. While, indeed, cases are still increasing in many parts of the country, hospitalizations have not increased at similar rates as they did in the past. However, death rates are currently over 2,500 per day and are not expected to peak before mid-February. 
  
While we continue to monitor the status of the pandemic, it is our intent to also continue our phased return to the physical workspace. There are three key components to this next phase:  

  • By Feb. 11, employees will receive their notice of remote work and/or telework status (if you have not already received yours) and their 45-day notification of returning to office letters, subject to completion of labor relations obligations.
  • On Feb. 28, we will welcome the senior leadership cadre back to physical office spaces. This includes: political appointees, Senior Executive Service, senior level, scientific and professional, senior scientific and technological service, and senior foreign service officers.  
  • On March 28, agencies and staff offices will begin their phased return to the physical workplace plans to welcome back employees who do not have remote work agreements, subject to completion of labor negotiations. Agencies and staff offices will be asked to fully implement these plans by May 27, 2022. Your agency and staff office leadership will communicate these plans in the coming weeks if you have not already received this information.

 At USDA, we are in close coordination with the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force to ensure that safety protocols are regularly updated and followed. We are also exceedingly grateful to the thousands of you who have continued to work on the front lines and in-person since the start of this pandemic. Your service to this department and the American people is considerable.

As always, we appreciate your patience as we continue to follow the science and prioritize the health and safety of our workforce. As recommended by the CDC, we encourage everyone to get a COVID-19 booster shot if you have not already and to continue the use of masks and social distancing to protect ourselves, our children and loved ones. Please continue to refer to the USDA Workplace Safety Plan and USDA’s Frequently Asked Questions, as they are updated frequently, for more information. Both are currently undergoing updates pending expected guidance from the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force. Continue to reach out to futureofwork@usda.gov for any questions not already addressed.

Thank you for all that you do for USDA and the people we serve.

Sincerely,

Secretary Vilsack and Deputy Secretary Bronaugh

*To the extent this policy may constitute a change in a condition of employment for bargaining unit employees, agencies/offices will implement it in accordance with the terms of their current labor agreement and 5 U.S.C. Chapter 71.

 

https://www.fs.usda.gov/inside-fs/mail-call/usda-return-work-update-0