Several federal agencies have taken a stand against the Office of Personnel Management's request for employees to detail their recent accomplishments. While some departments chose to respond on behalf of their staff, others declared the request voluntary or unnecessary. This development comes amid recent workforce reductions and heightened scrutiny over government efficiency.

Departments Opting Out of Productivity Reporting

Various federal entities have decided not to comply with the directive from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to report employee productivity. The Department of Defense, NASA, and the Department of Justice are among those informing their staff that responding is not mandatory. These organizations emphasized their own internal procedures for performance reviews, indicating that they would handle any necessary communications with OPM directly.

The Department of Defense issued a statement advising employees to "pause any response" to the OPM email. It clarified that the department itself would conduct performance reviews according to established protocols. Similarly, NASA reassured its employees that non-response would have no impact on their employment status. The agency stated it would provide a coordinated response on behalf of its workforce. Meanwhile, the Department of Justice highlighted the sensitive nature of its operations, stating that employees were not required to reply due to confidentiality concerns. This stance underscores the department’s commitment to protecting sensitive information while maintaining operational integrity.

Agencies Offering Voluntary Compliance

Other federal bodies have adopted a more flexible approach by making the OPM request voluntary. The Social Security Administration initially mandated a response but later reversed its position, emphasizing that non-responses would not be considered resignations. The Department of Agriculture also informed its employees that participation was optional and assured them there would be no penalties for non-compliance. Additionally, the State Department and the Department of Energy echoed similar sentiments, stressing that employees should follow their usual reporting channels within the department.

The Social Security Administration’s shift in policy reflects an evolving understanding of the implications of the OPM directive. Initially requiring employees to respond, the agency later clarified that such responses were voluntary and that failure to do so would not affect employment status. The Department of Agriculture reinforced this sentiment by reminding employees to avoid submitting sensitive information if they chose to participate. The State Department similarly advised its staff that reporting activities outside the chain of command was unnecessary. The Department of Energy instructed employees to pause responses, reiterating that it would manage performance reviews internally and provide a coordinated response when appropriate. These actions highlight a broader trend of agencies prioritizing internal procedures and employee well-being over external mandates.