For many educated and experienced professionals, securing federal employment has long been the gold standard. Civilian employees working for the federal government are often eligible for competitive benefits packages. They have historically enjoyed job security even at times when private-sector jobs are vulnerable.
However, right-sizing policies that began in 2025 could continue to affect skilled and experienced federal workers in 2026. Attempts to reduce the number of employees working for the federal government have resulted in professionals receiving Reduction-In-Force (RIF) notices.
What do federal employees need to know about attempts to reduce the federal civilian workforce?
2026 may see many terminations
2025 saw historic efforts to reduce civilian federal employment, including programs aimed at promoting voluntary early retirement. It was also a hiring freeze intended to prevent the expansion of organizations in 2025.
In 2026, there could be thousands of additional civilian departures from the federal workforce. Even long-term employees with 25 years of experience or more could be at risk of receiving an RIF notice. That letter indicates that the federal government has decided to eliminate their position.
What rights do workers have?
Employees terminated through reductions in force notices may have the option of protecting their positions by working with the United States Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Generally speaking, notices of workforce reduction efforts targeting specific workers do not have a basis in the employee’s performance.
Federal agencies need to comply with strict standards regarding a worker’s competitive levels and their retention standing. In scenarios where it is clear that a worker’s selection for termination was arbitrary and potentially inappropriate, the employee may have the option of challenging their RIF notice.
In some cases, they may be able to preserve their positions. Other times, preserving a position slated for elimination is simply not an option. However, federal employees who have appropriate legal representation may be able to soften the blow of a sudden job loss.
It is potentially possible to negotiate to adjust a termination to make it a voluntary resignation instead. That process can theoretically protect the worker’s retirement benefits and help them maintain a positive work record. Concerned federal employees who have received an RIF notice may need assistance evaluating their situation and exploring their options.
The team at Southworth PC has experience assisting federal workers who want to protect their careers. Reaching out to review an official notice and other relevant employment details could help federal employees protect their careers or minimize the impact of a recent RIF notice.