WASHINGTON — The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued new guidance on Feb. 12, 2025, exempting military and foreign service spouses from agency return-to-office requirements.
The memorandum, titled “Guidance on Exempting Military Spouses and Foreign Service Spouses from Agency Return to Office Plans,” directs federal agencies to ensure military spouses who are authorized for remote work can continue working remotely.
“Agencies should … ensure that their return-to-office plans categorically exempt all military spouses authorized to engage in remote work,” the memo states.
The policy applies to spouses of active-duty service members, National Guard members on full-time guard duty, retired service members with 100% disability, and service members who died on active duty. It also covers spouses of U.S. foreign service members.
According to the Department of Defense’s 2023 Demographics Profile of the Military Community, 64% of military spouses seek employment, but 21% struggle to find work due to frequent relocations.
Tim Dill, acting assistant secretary of defense for manpower and reserve affairs, said spouse employment is essential to military retention.
“Rebuilding our military starts with recruiting and retaining the right people. Spouse employment is a key factor in that task,” Dill said.
The new OPM policy aims to provide stability for military families while supporting recruitment and retention efforts.