Return to Office: How Federal IT Leaders Can Maximize Existing Tech

As the federal government continues to navigate return-to-office (RTO) policies across agencies, IT leaders are facing a complex challenge: how to provide flexible, secure and efficient technology environments in a landscape that demands both continuity and adaptability. The mission is clear, but the path forward requires creativity, smart planning and better use of the technology already in place.

This is not just a shift in where people work; it’s a call to reassess how federal technology supports that work. From reimagining collaboration tools to redefining infrastructure usage, agencies are finding new purpose in existing technologies — while simultaneously preparing for an increasingly unpredictable future.

COVID-19 ushered in a massive work experiment, forcing agencies to adopt digital tools and infrastructure at unprecedented speed. Now, with many agencies implementing partial or full RTO mandates, the challenge isn’t acquiring more tools but using what’s already there more effectively.

Federal IT teams must support a consistent user experience, maintain cybersecurity, optimize network performance and deliver digital services that meet evolving mission goals.

It starts with three focus areas:

1. Optimizing existing technology
2. Enabling flexible and secure work models
3. Preparing for the unknown

Most agencies made significant investments in cloud-based services, virtual private networks (VPNs), collaboration platforms, endpoint devices and security tools before and during the pandemic. Now that employees are returning to offices, these tools are still essential and can be incredibly useful.   

Collaboration Tools Get a Second Life
Platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Google Meet were lifelines during COVID. Today, they’re being optimized for all around collaboration, integrated with scheduling systems, video conferencing hardware in physical meeting rooms and document workflows.

For example, Microsoft Teams Rooms allow in-office staff to join the same meetings with out-of-office workers using smart cameras, spatial audio and live captioning. These tools are already part of many agency tech stacks, they just need proper configuration and staff training to unlock their full potential.

Many phones and video conferencing devices could have been installed before COVID and not be correctly configured to work with all these collaboration tools. To ensure seamless operations, it will be crucial to ensure these tools integrate with devices that may have been installed and configured before COVID.

Re-evaluating Physical Infrastructure
Office space usage is also shifting. Agencies are downsizing, hoteling and converting physical workspaces into shared hubs. IT plays a vital role in making this work, ensuring wireless connectivity, access to shared devices such as printers and scanners and seamless login access at any workstation.

It is also very important to consider many solutions that were not used for remote work may have been ignored. This oversight could cause issues if they are out of date and not patched. They will need to be patched and brought up to date to ensure efficiency when everyone is back in the office.

Software License Rationalization
Another overlooked area is license optimization. With fewer full-time, in-office users, some agencies may not need the same number or level of enterprise software licenses. Reviewing and rightsizing licensing agreements can reduce costs without sacrificing capability.

Even with more people returning to physical offices, federal agencies will continue to have remote staff. Agencies must support seamless transitions between in-office and remote work without creating security or performance gaps.

Zero Trust and Endpoint Security
A dispersed workforce increases the attack surface. That’s why many federal IT leaders are accelerating zero trust implementation, ensuring all users, devices and applications are continuously verified — regardless of their physical location.

Existing endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools can be extended to cover devices both on and off the network. Additionally, many agencies have VPNs or secure access solutions in place that can now be refined with policy-based access control and user behavior analytics.

Unified Endpoint Management (UEM)
UEM solutions help agencies manage a growing mix of devices, from GFE laptops to mobile phones and even bring your own device (BYOD) policies. If a device can access federal data or systems, it must be monitored and managed. Many agencies already own platforms such as Microsoft Intune or VMware Workspace ONE — you may just need to expand adoption or add automation to improve efficiency.

Modern Identity and Access Management (IAM)
IAM is another critical area for work success. Agencies can integrate existing tools such as Active Directory and Personal Identity Verification (PIV) / Common Access Card (CAC) authentication with modern cloud-based identity platforms to enable secure single sign-on and multifactor authentication from anywhere.

Return-to-office plans may shift again. Workforce needs will evolve. Mission priorities will change. Technology and the people who manage it must be ready to adapt.

Data-Driven Decision Making
To respond in real time, agencies need better visibility into IT operations. That means using analytics platforms to monitor network performance, application usage, system health and workforce productivity. Many federal IT environments already generate this data; the key is connecting and analyzing it effectively.

Scenario Planning and Simulation
Agencies are starting to use digital twins, simulations and “what if” models to test their infrastructure and security under different scenarios. For example: What happens to network bandwidth if 80% of your staff suddenly needs to work remotely again? Can the help desk handle a surge in password resets during a weather event? Agencies can model these events using existing tools to identify gaps and optimize in advance.

Investing in IT Training and Change Management
Adaptability isn’t just about hardware and software. Federal IT teams need support, too. Agencies that provide regular upskilling and training on cloud tools, security protocols and collaboration best practices are better equipped to respond quickly to changes.

Change management for end users also matters. Providing clear guidance, tutorials and helpdesk support ensures that employees use tools properly, whether they’re in a cubicle, in a different country or on the road.

Return-to-office mandates are not a step backward. It’s a unique opportunity for federal agencies to get smarter with their technological investments and reimagine how work gets done.

By focusing on optimizing existing assets, enabling security and preparing for change, federal IT leaders can create environments that are more resilient, efficient and mission ready. The tools are largely in place. Now is the time to use them wisely, make them work harder and prepare them to evolve.

The question isn’t how to go back to how things were, it’s how to move forward with the systems, skills and mindset to tackle whatever comes next.

At CDW Government, we understand the evolving needs of the federal workplace. Our IT solutions help agencies optimize their technology stacks, strengthen security and adapt to changing workforce demands, no matter where work happens. Let’s work together to build smarter, more resilient IT systems for your agency.