EXCLUSIVE — Employees across the Department of Commerce and its major bureaus, including the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Census Bureau, are still required to submit monthly “five things” accomplishment emails, even though the rest of the federal workforce no longer has to.

According to a copy of an internal message obtained by the Washington Examiner, the Patent and Trademark Office reminded employees this week that their “Five Things” for November were due on Dec. 1. “Please reflect on your accomplishments for November and submit your five items,” Anne Mendez, acting chief administrative officer, wrote, directing staff to send the list up the chain of command. Employees said similar reminders have circulated across the Commerce Department and its bureaus.