JPL to Transition to Fully Onsite Work

Jet Propulsion Laboratory will transition to full-time, in-person work by late October, marking a significant shift in the laboratory’s post-pandemic operational model.

In an internal communication dated May 22, from the JPL Director’s Office, leadership addressed colleagues with a message emphasizing that “a deeply engaged and collaborative culture defines JPL’s legacy of excellence and innovation.” The announcement comes amid expectations of a “very tough budget environment” and a need to have “all hands on deck.”

The transition will be phased, with general telework employees required to return by Monday, August 25, and remote employees—both in and outside California—given until Monday, October 27 to complete their return.

While rare exceptions may be considered, employees who do not return by their required date will be considered to have resigned, the memo said.

The communication saud JPL is maintaining several flexible work benefits, including:

• RDO Fridays for employees on the 9/80 workweek schedule
• Up to two weeks of remote work from anywhere in the United States annually
• Incidental telework for non-recurring events like medical appointments or inclement weather

The laboratory will focus on cultivating “relationship-building, mentoring, spontaneous interactions, and real-time problem-solving — all of which drive our most innovative work and will prepare us to meet the demands of today’s dynamic environment.”

Exceptions to the return-to-office mandate will be extremely rare, requiring approval from both a Director and a small leadership committee, the memo said.

The laboratory will consider limited exceptions for employees with extenuating circumstances, such as those impacted by recent regional fires.

The transition process includes several key dates:

• Week of June 2: Exception forms will be provided to managers
• Week of June 23: Fully remote employees will be asked to indicate return intentions by July 20