I used to think the following was less likely to happen in New Zealand because we’re small enough that such loss of management control would be unlikely compared to the vast, sprawling bureaucracies of America and Europe.
However, given how popular work-from-home has been in Wellington since the Great Chinese Lung Rot Pandemic, plus the incredible bloat of the Public “Service” from 2017 to 2023, plus the decline in positive results across the entire sector, perhaps this is happening here as well.
It gets better. Having demanded that government teleworkers return to their office desks, Trump has now thrown in a sweetener:
The White House will issue a memo Tuesday offering to pay federal workers who don’t want to return to the office through Sept. 30, as long as they resign by Feb. 6, an administration official tells Axios.
It’s a great idea. Employees like the following would actually cost more in terms of damage if they stay in the job.
No Minister 
Have an in-law who works within the NZDF civilian apparatus. He’s said the same as this lady – it’s almost impossible to get fired, and it is very hard to hire decent talent as the pay is always a bit less than the private sector. Hence they end up with some really poor employees.
biden outdoes himself this time…
https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1884326482161590294
Remote work is most effective and beneficial to both employer and employee when work output is measurable and it’s obvious if the employee is working or not.
Work from home luvvies with busywork McJobs where actual time and effort spent is more unclear is just welfare by another name.
I still can’t believe a grown man did that in front of a congressional committee. I hope Trump fires his ass.
Working from home fine for responsible people with a work ethic, but just too easy to game for the many who do not consider their obligation to deliver apply.
I know of two who work from home in Banking, one seems committed to producing the other has time for regular socialising but every now and then cries I must go and click my Mouse to show I am at the Device???.
There are far too many who just cannot be responsible, oh BTW the better of those above If I am correct just happens to be from The Republic ???