Progress Under Pressure: Preparing Federal Employees for Turbulent Times

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Navigating Washington: Insights for Business

Progress Under Pressure: Preparing Federal Employees for Turbulent Times

17 February 2025 / Article

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While it is too early to know the full extent of the changes to government operations and workforce management the new US administration will bring, early actions point to widespread disruption, demanding a proactive approach from leadership across government. This article explores how senior executives, managers, and workers can prepare for and respond to the changes.

Key Insights

To successfully navigate the changes ahead, federal executives, managers, and employees must adopt proactive strategies and embrace adaptability, ensuring they remain resilient and effectively aligned with the new administration’s policies.
Leaders and workers should hold conversations, engage in contingency planning, and manage their well-being while implementing policy in a nonpartisan manner.

Key Insights

To successfully navigate the changes ahead, federal executives, managers, and employees must adopt proactive strategies and embrace adaptability, ensuring they remain resilient and effectively aligned with the new administration’s policies.
Leaders and workers should hold conversations, engage in contingency planning, and manage their well-being while implementing policy in a nonpartisan manner.

The New Administration Has Already Ordered Changes That Impact the Federal Workforce

The new administration’s stated policy intentions and early actions have quickly led to significant changes in the operation and composition of the federal workforce, with more almost certain to follow. Continuation of the implementation of policies that significantly affect federal employment, such as eliminating, downsizing, or reorganizing agencies and/or relocating functions o

Authors

Allan Schweyer

Principal Researcher, Human Capital
The Conference Board

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Roger Campbell

Senior Fellow, Human Capital
The Conference Board

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Miriam Cohen

Senior Fellow, Human Capital
The Conference Board

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Jane Datta

Senior Fellow, Human Capital
The Conference Board

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Aaron Meyers

Senior Fellow, Human Capital
The Conference Board

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