Concerns over federal employee absenteeism took center stage during the recent Nominations Hearing for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. A senator highlighted what he described as a "disturbing pattern" in the Biden administration regarding federal employees' attendance, particularly in the wake of the pandemic.

The senator pointed out that, as of June 30, approximately 8% of FTC employees were working remotely. While this figure may seem manageable, he raised alarms about the actual attendance of those who are supposed to be in the office. According to data from the FTC, 60% of the staff categorized as "regularly recurring" were only coming into the office one day a week. An additional 20% reported to work two days a week, while another 20% managed to be present three to five days a week.

This revelation sparked a broader discussion about the implications of remote work policies and the potential impact on productivity within federal agencies. The senator's comments underscore ongoing concerns about the effectiveness of current work arrangements and the need for accountability in federal employment practices. As the hearing progresses, the focus will likely remain on how these attendance patterns affect the FTC's mission and operations moving forward.