Archive for category: Blog

Government-wide Firing of Probational Employees Causes Dismay

The 2025 Executive Order concerning the firing of probationary federal employees builds upon earlier initiatives aimed at reforming the federal workforce. This order reinforces the ability of federal agencies to rapidly terminate employees who are still in their probationary period, further streamlining the dismissal process.

The intent behind this executive order is to enhance accountability and efficiency within federal agencies. By allowing quicker terminations of underperforming employees during their probation, the order seeks to promote a higher standard of performance and reduce bureaucratic inertia.

Supporters of such measures argue that they create a more effective government by ensuring that only capable individuals remain in federal positions. However, critics often worry that these actions could undermine job security and lead to an environment where employees may be hesitant to report misconduct or express differing opinions, fearing retaliation.

Source: CBS News https://bit.ly/3Qryon8

Retirement: How to Navigate the Current Instability

Amid “deferred resignation” turmoil, federal workers are in uncharted territory. Here’s a little guidance.

Federal employees have had to get familiar with the Voluntary Early Retirement Authority, which was clarified in the FAQs of the “Fork in the Road” memo from the Office of Personnel Management to mean that employees who are eligible for the deferred resignation offer and are at least age 50 with at least 20 years creditable federal service, or any age with at least 25 years creditable federal service are eligible for VERA (Voluntary Early Retirement Authority) along with the deferred resignation offer (unless your position is exempted from the program by your agency).  Follow link to read more. https://www.govexec.com/pay-benefits/2025/02/retirement-how-navigate-chaos-ahead/402996/?oref=ge-mini-feed