The OPM Email: Consequences and Impact on Federal Workers
On Saturday, federal employees throughout the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) received an email from the agency demanding a response, stating, “Approximately 5 bullets of what you accomplished last week.” The email sparked confusion, chaos, and resentment among federal workers increasingly feels under attack.
Negative Implications of OPM’s Request
The email appeared intrusive and problematic, as federal workers expressed their respect for the agency’sReasons for the email, which appeared to be aimed at seeking additional information rather than addressing real concerns. Employees at agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOA) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) received warnings early on.
Examples of the Email’s Impact
- At NOA, employees were cautioned against replying about the email, as they suggested it might be a phishing attempt. Other employees, however, said managers advised otherwise.
- At NIST, half the workers reported being told to await further guidance, while others felt directed to comply.
- The email also appeared to target federal judges, including officials at the Department of Administrative Services, who were instructed to set "an aside," though the sender suggested acting differently.
- Federal judges in the U.S. clarified that the email was not from the Judicial branch.
Response Patterns Among Managers
The way federal managers responded to the email was inconsistent. Some, like those at NOAA, reported caution against replying due to concerns of phishing or confidentiality.
However, even in cases where managers were less cautious, their responses were oftenative rather than overt. NIST was cited as one destination where managers reportedly instructed workers to wait for clarity, while others were under-monitored.
The Email’s Possible Re₦ction
The email’s implications were not fully understood by workers at agencies like the National institutes of Health (NIH), which provided information but without specifics on when or from whom it would come.
Broader Implications for Workers
The email reflects larger concerns about the federal worker ecosystem, with actions like interfacing with carriers and the rise of the Department of repaycment of Government Efficiency (DOGE) adding tension to the situation.
In conclusion, the OPM email has left federal workers reeling over a lack of clarity and missed opportunities to resolve concerns effectively, particularly regarding security, classification, and outside communications.
