Federal Workforce Faces Unprecedented Scrutiny Amid Efficiency Measures

March 2, 2025

In a bold move to overhaul the federal bureaucracy, the Trump administration, under the guidance of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has intensified efforts to monitor and reduce the federal workforce. This initiative has sparked a mix of compliance, confusion, and concern among federal employees and the public alike.

Weekly Accountability Emails: A New Mandate

On Friday night, federal employees across various agencies received an email titled “What did you do last week? Part II,” instructing them to submit five bullet points detailing their weekly accomplishments by 11:59 p.m. ET on Monday. This directive is set to recur weekly, aiming to assess individual productivity and identify redundancies within the federal workforce. Notably, employees handling classified or sensitive information are advised to respond with “All of my activities are sensitive.” [Source]

Mixed Responses from Federal Agencies

The reaction to this mandate has been varied. Agencies such as the FBI and the Department of Justice have advised their employees to disregard the email, emphasizing adherence to internal protocols. Conversely, other departments have instructed their staff to comply, reflecting a lack of uniformity in response strategies. [Source]

Impending Workforce Reductions

These accountability measures coincide with broader plans to significantly downsize the federal workforce. A recent memo from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) directed agencies to collaborate with DOGE to identify targets for mass layoffs, with detailed plans due by March 13. The objective is to streamline operations, reduce inefficiencies, and promote fiscal responsibility. [Source]

Specific Agencies Under the Microscope

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has been notably impacted, with approximately 6,700 employees—about 8% of its workforce—laid off recently. This reduction raises concerns about the agency’s capacity to effectively manage the ongoing tax season and implement forthcoming tax law changes. [Source]

Similarly, the General Services Administration (GSA) has dismantled its 18F unit, a tech team responsible for developing key government services like Login.gov. This move aligns with directives to cut government spending and personnel, affecting around 70 employees, including product managers and engineers. [Source]

Legal and Ethical Concerns

The rapid implementation of these measures has prompted legal challenges and ethical debates. Critics argue that the mass layoffs and the methods employed to assess employee performance may undermine essential public services and violate established labor rights. Additionally, questions have been raised about the authority of DOGE and Musk’s role in federal operations. [Source]

Looking Ahead

As the March 13 deadline approaches for agencies to submit their layoff and reorganization plans, federal employees face an uncertain future. The administration’s commitment to restructuring the federal workforce signifies a pivotal shift in government operations, the effects of which will unfold in the coming months.

Rowan Fitz is a journalist specializing in federal workforce policies and government efficiency initiatives.