Agencies Reassess RIFs Amid Voluntary Exits and Legal Pressure
If you’re a federal employee watching the Reduction in Force (RIF) situation unfold, you’re likely feeling the emotional whiplash. Just this week, the White House admitted to tracking 70 active RIF actions across 19 agencies—nearly double the 40 initially disclosed to the Supreme Court. And yet, at the same time, OPM's top lawyer has confirmed that some agencies are walking back layoff plans altogether. Why? Because a wave of voluntary separations and buyouts has made RIFs unnecessary in some pockets of government.
This is significant—but it’s not cause for celebration just yet.
Where RIF Risk Is Falling—and Where It’s Not
Some agencies, like the Department of Veterans Affairs, appear to be scaling down their RIF plans. Meanwhile, others—including State, Education, and Health and Human Services—are pressing ahead. HHS reportedly sent final RIF separation notices earlier this week, except for a group temporarily protected by a court order.
So what’s driving the shift? Attrition. Buyout incentives. Legal challenges. Political optics. The situation is dynamic, and every agency is reacting differently. This means your job status could change dramatically in a matter of days, especially if your agency hasn’t yet finalized notices.
What You Can—and Should—Do Right Now
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Check All Inboxes – If you’ve been placed on administrative leave, don’t assume silence is safety. Many RIF notices are being sent only to .gov email addresses that suspended employees can’t access. Use a personal device to check every inbox you’ve ever used professionally.
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Review Your Personnel File – Log into eOPF or request your file immediately. Document every communication, especially if your RIF status has changed or is unclear. Agencies can—and do—make procedural mistakes that could open the door for appeals.
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Don’t Rely on Rumor – Track agency actions directly through reliable sources. Even if you’re hearing that your office may be spared, do not consider anything final until you receive formal written notice.
Mindfulness in the Midst of Chaos
From a mindfulness perspective, one of the hardest truths to accept is this: much of this is outside your control. But your preparation is not. Staying grounded doesn’t mean ignoring the stakes—it means choosing focus over panic. Take things step-by-step. One inbox. One document. One action at a time.
We’re tracking every twist in this story and will continue posting timely updates. For deeper guidance and real-time agency tracking, you can also join our free newsletter at fedlegalhelp.com/newsletter.
Take care, dear friends.
Legal Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. While I am a federal employment attorney, this post does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every situation is unique, and legal outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances.