Avoiding AWOL After a Shutdown Ends

When a shutdown ends, most federal employees feel immediate relief—pay will resume, operations restart, and uncertainty loosens its grip. But there’s a lesser-known risk that surfaces the very first day back: inadvertent AWOL. As counsel for federal employees before the MSPB, it is clear that the most preventable discipline after a shutdown comes from one issue—not reporting when the agency says the doors are open.

Shutdown transitions are messy, and communication failures are common. That is why the law looks to reasonable notice, not perfect clarity. Today’s goal is simple: help you protect your record by taking clear, documented steps the moment your agency reopens.

Check Every Channel Your Agency Uses

Most AWOL cases after a shutdown hinge on whether an employee “should have known” to report. Agencies often point to a single message in a system employees rarely check. Avoid that trap.

As soon as the government reopens, check:

• Work email

• Personal email (if your agency uses it)

• Emergency notification systems

• Text alerts

• Telework portals

• Spam and junk folders

If the agency later claims, “We notified staff,” you want to be sure you didn’t miss one of the channels they rely on.

Follow the First Reasonable Instruction

Reopening messages are often rushed and vague. That does not mean you should wait for perfect clarity.

If a message says “Report back,” act.
If you are normally on-site, plan to return on-site.
If you are telework-eligible and instructions are unclear, log in at your usual start time and remain available.

The MSPB consistently looks for good-faith effort. Taking reasonable steps—even amidst confusion—meets that standard.

Document Every Step You Take

In AWOL cases, documentation is the difference between discipline and dismissal of charges.

Capture:

• Screenshots of agency messages

• Timestamps of system log-ins

• Copies of any emails you send asking for direction

• Notes of calls or voicemails you made attempting to verify instructions

This record creates a clean, contemporaneous trail showing your intent to comply.

If You Haven’t Received Instructions, Reach Out

Silence is not protection. If no message arrives, proactively contact your supervisor or the official who normally provides direction.

A simple, written statement is enough:
“I’m available and ready to report. Please confirm instructions.”

This single sentence has prevented countless employees from being tagged AWOL.

A Mindful Approach to a Chaotic Return

Transitions after a shutdown are stressful, and anxiety can spike when instructions conflict or lag behind. A mindful approach—pausing, breathing, and responding rather than reacting—helps ensure your next step is deliberate, documented, and protective of your record.

Legal Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. While I am a federal employment attorney, this post does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every situation is unique, and legal outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances.