Skip links

Anxious Wait for Layoffs Grips Federal Workforce

An “uneasy wait” has descended upon the federal workforce following a Supreme Court decision that cleared the path for widespread agency reorganizations and reductions-in-force (RIFs). While the full extent of the layoffs remains uncertain, the ruling has undeniably heightened anxiety and created a climate of instability for countless government employees.

This uncertainty is compounded by recent data showing a drop in overall job satisfaction among federal workers. According to the 2024 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey, key indicators of employee engagement and satisfaction have seen slight declines, with a notable 1% dip in the Performance Confidence Index. A recent Washington Post-Ipsos poll further reveals that 56% of federal employees believe workforce reductions will harm government operations, reflecting a deep-seated concern about the impact of these changes.

For many federal employees, the current situation is a confusing mix of legal battles and administrative maneuvering. As Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, told PBS, federal employees are in “disarray,” caught between announcements of potential RIFs and subsequent legal pauses. This back-and-forth leaves families in a state of limbo, unable to plan for the future with any degree of certainty.

From Uncertainty to Action: Securing Your Financial Future

In this environment of anxiety and potential upheaval, taking a passive approach to your career and financial planning is a significant risk. The threat of a RIF, a hiring freeze, or other disruptive changes means you must be proactive in securing your financial well-being. This is where expert guidance becomes not just a benefit, but a necessity.

Internal Benefit Advisors specializes in educating federal and state employees on how to navigate the complexities of their benefits, especially during times of uncertainty. Their services are designed to empower you to take control of your financial future, regardless of what happens at your agency.

Their team can help you:

  • Develop a RIF-Proof Retirement Plan: Understand your FERS or CSRS pension, maximize your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), and build a financial strategy that can withstand an unexpected job loss or early retirement.
  • Secure Your Family’s Future: Ensure you have the right life insurance in place to protect your loved ones, providing a critical safety net in uncertain times.
  • Master Your Benefits: Gain a comprehensive understanding of your entire benefits package so you can make informed decisions that protect your financial interests.

The current climate of unease is a clear signal that federal employees must be more vigilant than ever in managing their careers and finances. Don’t let the “uneasy wait” paralyze your planning.

Take the first step toward financial security. Contact Internal Benefit Advisors for a consultation and build a resilient financial plan that will protect you and your family, no matter what the future holds.


References:

  • FEDweek. “Uneasy Wait on RIFs Hangs Over Federal Workforce; Courts May Yet Play a Role.”
  • U.S. Department of the Treasury. (2024). 2024 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey Results.
  • SurveyLegend. (2025, March 25). 7 Topics For Federal Employee Surveys In 2025.
  • PBS. “Federal workers union says it will continue to fight firings after Supreme Court ruling.”
  • Internal Benefit Advisors. Retrieved from https://internalbenefitadvisors.com

Leave a comment