Michael Bloomberg, the distinguished former mayor of New York City, advocates for the cessation of remote work for government personnel

**Media titan Michael Bloomberg calls for an end to remote work for federal employees**

Media titan Michael Bloomberg has criticized federal agencies for allowing their staff to work remotely, arguing that taxpayers are paying for empty offices. In an article for The Washington Post, Bloomberg expresses concern about the wasteful use of tax money and the decline in public services. He urges that the pandemic is over and excuses for empty offices should no longer be accepted.

**Federal agencies spend billions on office space**

According to a report by the United States Government Accountability Office, federal agencies spend $5 billion annually on leasing office buildings and an additional $2 billion on office maintenance and operations, regardless of utilization. However, the report reveals that 17 out of 24 government agencies only utilize their office spaces less than 25% of the time. The report suggests that reducing office space would not only cut costs but also decrease energy consumption.

**Bloomberg emphasizes the burden on taxpayers and small businesses**

Bloomberg argues that remote work for federal employees is problematic because the government is a monopoly supplier. In the private sector, if remote workers perform poorly, businesses suffer and customers take their spending elsewhere. However, in the public sector, people have to endure subpar services. Bloomberg highlights the impact of empty office spaces on taxpayers who fund maintenance costs. He also points out the negative effects on small businesses whose tax payments contribute to city services.

**The Biden administration’s efforts are deemed insufficient by Bloomberg**

While the Biden administration has been encouraging federal employees to return to their offices, Bloomberg believes their efforts have not been strong enough. The Executive Office of the President has expressed an expectation for agencies to increase in-person work in federal offices. However, they also emphasize the importance of flexible operational policies for talent recruitment and retention.

**Private sector office utilization is also low**

A report by XY Sense, which examines workplace utilization, reveals that private sector office use is similarly low. The study, based on 25,000 office spaces across 17 countries, shows that North America’s average utilization in the first quarter of 2023 was 21%, 33% lower than the global average. This low utilization of private offices may have financial consequences, including potential loan defaults and a looming repayment of $1.5 trillion in commercial real estate loans by 2025.

**Bloomberg advocates for a return to the office**

Considering his position as the co-founder, CEO, and majority shareholder of a media company with numerous costly offices worldwide, it is not surprising that Bloomberg encourages his own staff to return to the office. He believes that his own employees have been receptive to this transition, with over 80% of staff currently working in the office for at least three days a week. Bloomberg also suggests that hybrid work options could be beneficial for increasing competition in the job market.

**Government workers urged to return to the office**

In conclusion, Bloomberg argues that government workers should no longer delay the return to the office for at least a few days a week. He calls for immediate action and hard deadlines, emphasizing that taxpayers deserve better services and a stronger capital city as a result.