Office space is being underutilized in the Federal Government, accelerated by the increase in telework following the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to a report published by the Federal News Network, the Federal Government owns over 460 million square feet of office space nationwide, and despite the common assumption that telework is the primary reason for the increase in underutilized space, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has previously identified this as a longstanding issue — for 20 years.
Even before the pandemic, it’s reported that agencies have struggled to determine their actual office space needs and whether to relinquish unneeded space.
Notably, one of the key reasons cited for this rise in idle space is the actual age and design of federal buildings — which often do not align with modern work environments. Some buildings were built almost 100 years ago, like the Commerce Department’s headquarters, and these buildings have more traditional spaces like libraries and storage areas that are less relevant in today’s office building designs. Additionally, Federal News Network reports that even with full staff attendance, GAO estimates that buildings would only be about two-thirds utilized.
The move towards hybrid work environments is prompting a reevaluation of physical office needs among employers in the Federal Government. While telework offers flexibility and potential cost savings, it also raises questions about the optimal use of office space. As government agencies adapt to these changes, they face the challenge of balancing remote work benefits with the efficient use of their physical spaces.
