More Hires, More Scrutiny: Why CBP’s Incentive Surge Raises Potential Training and Oversight Concern

In March 2025, thousands of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) employees were ordered to report back into the office, full time. Across the federal government, many agencies have ordered their workforce back into the office, revoking telework status that was often put in place due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, FDA’s case was unique in that it had been utilizing teleworking practices for more than a decade before the pandemic.

In a continuation of a return-to-office order, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has issued a memo ordering managers and supervisors to track the attendance of their employees to ensure optimal utilization of government facilities.

Acting Chief Information Officer of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Kaschit Pandya has called for the agency to "reset and reassess” in response to the more than 2,000 employees the agency has lost from their IT department since the start of 2025.

According to reporting from Federal News Network, recent data from Gallup reveals that federal employees are reporting major workplace disruptions at nearly three times the national average. These disruptions – ranging from increased turnover and hiring challenges to changes in mission priorities and workplace reorganization – are reshaping how agencies function.

A recent report by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Office of Inspector General (OIG) found that, while a majority of agency employees who responded to a workplace culture survey feel safe, valued, and respected, employee views of FDIC management and leadership in related to harassment and misconduct were less favorable.

Last month, President Trump signed an executive order continuing his administration’s focus on downsizing the federal workforce. Many of the initiatives have been spearheaded by the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Agency leaders have been advised to prepare for large-scale reductions in force that have the potential to create serious challenges for federal managers.

Congress is considering a set of federal workforce bills that could significantly reshape how supervisors and managers oversee their teams. While the proposals aim to improve transparency and accountability, they also introduce new layers of monitoring and documentation that may leave federal leaders more exposed to allegations of mismanagement, procedural error, or personnel-related disputes.

According to reporting from Federal News Network, recent data from Gallup reveals that federal employees are reporting major workplace disruptions at nearly three times the national average. These disruptions – ranging from increased turnover and hiring challenges to changes in mission priorities and workplace reorganization – are reshaping how agencies function.

Workplace Disruptions Are Rising – and So Are the Risks for Federal Managers

We deeply value the service and dedication of our federal community, and want to address FEDS members concerned about their coverage during the ongoing government shutdown. For FEDS members whose policy renewals have been impacted by the government shutdown, we will be ensuring your policies remain in force until the shutdown ends. And for those utilizing our payroll deduction payment method, please be assured that your active FEDS policies will not be cancelled for payments missed during the government shutdown.

We deeply value the service and dedication of our federal community, and want to address FEDS members concerned about their coverage during the ongoing government shutdown. For FEDS members whose policy renewals have been impacted by the government shutdown, we will be ensuring your policies remain in force until the shutdown ends. And for those utilizing our payroll deduction payment method, please be assured that your active FEDS policies will not be cancelled for payments missed during the government shutdown.

Changes within IT Department Could Leave IRS Managers Vulnerable

On June 21, 2025, the United States carried out airstrikes on nuclear sites in Iran. In retaliation for these airstrikes, Iran fired missiles at a US military base in Qatar. Shortly after the Iranian missile strikes, a ceasefire was instituted between Israel and Iran. In response to these events, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin that highlights heightened risks to the United States from pro-Iranian groups and the Iranian government. The threats highlighted in the bulletin are physical and cyber-attacks, especially ones aimed at hospitals, water dams, and power plants across the US.

A Call for Attendance Records Could Leave Federal Managers Vulnerable