Johnny C. Taylor Jr. addresses your human resources queries for YSL News. He serves as the president and CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management, the largest HR professional organization globally, and is the author of “Reset: A Leader’s Guide to Work in an Age of Upheaval.”

Question: I work remotely for the federal government. Recently, a White House executive order mandated that all federal employees must return to their offices. My agency is located in Washington, D.C., but my husband is in the military, stationed in Texas, and might soon move to Georgia. This remote job has been essential in keeping my family together while allowing me to have a career. If I decide to leave for a job with a government contractor, will I still be able to work remotely? Can I fight to keep my remote job? ‒ Sierra

Answer: As a military spouse, you are likely accustomed to change. Still, I can appreciate how difficult it must be for your career during this time of uncertainty. The recent changes are causing a lot of concern in the federal workforce. Take time to familiarize yourself with the new orders, seek guidance, and evaluate your options.

If you shift to a government contractor position, your remote work could be at risk. While the executive order is aimed at federal employees, it’s possible that the government may update contracts to require in-office work, with few exceptions.

Additionally, different contractors have their own telework policies, so it’s crucial to thoroughly review the remote working rules of any prospective employer before making a switch, keeping in mind that these policies can also change, just like those of the federal government.

However, recent guidance from the Office of Personnel Management indicates that military spouses are generally exempt from the return-to-office mandate under the Military Spouse Employment Act. This means you might have a strong argument to maintain your remote work status.

Speak with your management or HR team to confirm if you qualify for an exemption. If you do, that’s promising news — you can keep your current remote setup. If not, you may still have some career options available. Consider the following steps:

1. Look into alternative duty locations. If your agency has offices near your upcoming base in Georgia, think about requesting a transfer to that office. While it may not enable a fully remote arrangement, it could help you retain your federal job and minimize career disruptions.
2. Utilize military spouse support programs. The federal government understands the unique challenges that military spouses face in their careers. Initiatives like the Military Spouse Preference and the Military Spouse Employment Partnership may help secure jobs with remote or flexible arrangements.
3. Be proactive about your career. While advocating for your remote work status, it’s wise to update your resume, broaden your professional network, and explore potential opportunities in both federal and contractor roles that match your needs.

Keep in mind that your management and HR teams are also navigating these policy changes. Patience is vital as they sort through how to implement the new directives and standards for their agency.

Changes in policy and decisions by agencies will take time to materialize, so don’t lose hope if clarity doesn’t come quickly. Continue to do great work and advocate for yourself — your skills and commitment are valuable in any position.

Thank you for your public service and the sacrifices your family has made for this country. I hope you can keep providing your valuable service to our citizens.

The opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of YSL News.