The White House is preparing for a major shift in federal employment as it anticipates that up to 10% of government workers may resign in September 2025.
This comes as part of a new program designed to end work-from-home practices, according to senior administration officials.
The initiative, called the “deferred resignation program,” offers federal employees the option to resign in advance while still receiving full pay and benefits until their final working day.
With only 6% of federal employees currently working full-time in the office, this program could significantly reshape the workforce.
The move has sparked concerns among labor unions, who warn of chaos and instability within the government. Let’s take a closer look at the program, its impact, and the reaction from different stakeholders.
What Is the Deferred Resignation Program?
The deferred resignation program allows federal employees to voluntarily decide now to leave their jobs by September 30, 2025. Here are the key details:
- Employees who opt for this program will continue receiving full pay and benefits.
- They will be exempt from in-person office work until their resignation date.
- The resignation can be accelerated if they choose to leave earlier.
- The program does not apply to military personnel, U.S. Postal Service employees, immigration enforcement staff, or national security positions.
The government expects that around 200,000 of the 2 million federal employees may choose to participate.
Why Is This Program Being Introduced?
The Trump administration aims to regain control over the federal workforce and bring employees back to physical offices. Senior officials argue that:
- A significant portion of government employees have been working remotely since the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The administration wants to enforce a full return to office for most federal workers.
- Some government agencies may see restructuring, relocations, or downsizing.
Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller has stated that these changes are necessary to ensure the administration can operate efficiently and reduce government spending.
Concerns Raised by Federal Employee Unions
The program has faced backlash from the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the largest federal worker union. AFGE President Everett Kelley criticized the move, stating:
“Purging the federal government of dedicated career civil servants will have vast, unintended consequences that will cause chaos for the Americans who depend on a functioning federal government.”
Unions argue that these changes create a hostile work environment, forcing employees to resign rather than voluntarily choosing to leave.
What Happens to Employees Who Stay?
For those who choose to remain in their federal jobs, uncertainty looms. The administration has hinted at:
- Mandatory return to office: Most remote workers will need to work in-person five days a week.
- Office relocations: Some agencies may move their offices, requiring employees to relocate.
- Workforce reductions: Many agencies could face restructuring, furloughs, or layoffs.
- At-will employment: Some employees may be reclassified, making it easier for the government to fire them.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has acknowledged that it cannot guarantee job security for those who stay. Employees whose positions are eliminated will receive standard protections but no assurance of continued employment.
The White House’s new resignation program is a major step toward reshaping the federal workforce. While some see it as a necessary move to regain control and enforce in-office work, critics argue that it could lead to instability and a loss of experienced government employees.
The months ahead will determine how many workers take the offer and what impact it will have on federal operations.
As government agencies prepare for potential workforce changes, employees must decide whether to stay and face uncertainty or resign with the benefits offered under the program. Either way, this initiative marks a significant shift in federal employment policies.