The Trump administration has initiated a directive for all federal departments and agencies to compile lists of employees who have been assessed as underperformers. This move is part of a broader strategy to reduce the size of the federal workforce while the administration awaits a court verdict regarding its deferred resignation proposals.
A recent memo from the Office of Personnel Management instructs agencies to identify employees who have not received a “fully successful” performance evaluation in the past three years. Additionally, it requests information on whether these individuals have been placed on performance improvement plans during that period.
Notably, the memo outlines that agencies should clarify any challenges they encounter in their efforts to effectively remove underperforming employees who exhibit no intention or ability to improve. The documentation required includes the employee’s name, job title, pay structure, and whether they are currently in or have recently completed a performance improvement initiative in the last year.
Furthermore, agencies are asked to indicate if they have made any proposals regarding these employees or if decisions have been taken, along with any pending appeals or their outcomes.
All requested details must be submitted by March 7.
Charles Ezell, the acting director of the Office of Personnel Management, noted in the memo that there are efforts underway to establish new performance evaluation criteria for assessing the federal workforce, ensuring alignment with the President’s recent Executive Orders. He also encouraged all agencies to share information regarding their performance management strategies and related policies, particularly those included in collective bargaining agreements.
As of now, approximately 65,000 federal employees have expressed interest in the deferred resignation program, according to a White House representative who, due to restrictions, spoke anonymously.
This program is currently facing legal scrutiny, with a federal judge set to hear arguments on Monday afternoon to determine whether the initiative can move forward.
