Restructuring the Federal Government

2/25/2025

The Concern

The federal government is undergoing significant restructuring in 2025, marked by widespread layoffs, terminations, and position changes. These actions are part of a broader initiative to reduce government spending and realign the workforce with new priorities. For instance, the Department of Agriculture has eliminated over 4,200 positions, notably affecting the Forest Service. Similarly, the Department of Health and Human Services has laid off approximately 2,800 employees, including those from the CDC and NIH.

The Employee

This change has affected many lives. Some people obtained a new position and were relocating or relocating to a new area to perform their job duties in person. Sadly, the changes ended their employment opportunity before they could start. For others, having bills that rely on the consistency of a paycheck has placed them at the door of unemployment. As we all know, unemployment gives recipients a fraction of their gross pay, resulting in a need for changes and balance concerning financial obligations.

What will happen to phone companies, dealerships, mortgage companies, car insurance agencies, and grocery stores when people cannot afford payments? Are we increasing their ability to have their debt erased through right-offs and hindering the population of workers creating negative debt? The economy is not surviving because of the creation of more debt for anyone.

Change Management

In this context, effective change management is crucial to ensure that these transitions are executed smoothly and that the remaining workforce remains engaged and productive. Change management involves preparing, supporting, and helping individuals, teams, and organizations make organizational change. It is essential to address the human side of change, which includes managing resistance, maintaining morale, and ensuring that employees have the necessary resources and support to adapt to new roles or responsibilities.

Threatened Termination

The recent directive from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) requiring federal employees to justify their roles via email has added to the uncertainty and stress within the workforce. This initiative, which threatened termination for non-compliance, was met with resistance from various agencies and unions, highlighting the need for clear communication and support during periods of organizational change.

Implementing a structured change management process can help mitigate the negative impacts of such large-scale workforce changes. This process should include clear communication strategies, training programs, and support systems to assist employees in navigating the transition. By focusing on the human aspects of change (the people first), the federal government can better manage the complexities associated with these significant organizational shifts. We must do better!

Reference:

1. New York Magazine. (2025, February 24). All the firing, layoffs and resignations we know of. New York Magazine. https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/how-many-federal-employees-fired-jobs-cut-trump-doge.html?utm_campaign=feed-part&utm_medium=social_acct&utm_source=chatgpt.com

2. The Guardian. (2025, February 24). Trump backs Musk's 'what did you do last week' email to federal employees, says workers will be 'semi-fired or fired' if not answered. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2025/feb/24/elon-musk-email-donald-trump-us-government-latest-live-politics-news?utm_source=chatgpt.com

3. Reuters. (2025, February 24). US SEC plans to cut regional directors as agency prepares for DOGE scrutiny, sources say. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-securities-regulator-plans-cut-regional-directors-due-trump-administration-2025-02-24/?utm_source=chatgpt.com