How Federal Employees Should Handle the OPM Email Request
If you’re a federal employee who received an email from OPM asking for five bullet points on your work activities, you may be wondering how to respond—especially as major agencies like the Pentagon, FBI, DHS, and State Department are telling employees not to. This situation has created a lot of confusion, and your response (or lack thereof) could have consequences.
Let’s break it down so you can navigate this without putting your career at risk.
Don’t Ignore It, But Don’t Respond Blindly Either
Outright ignoring the email could be seen as failing to follow instructions, which is a risk you don’t want to take. However, federal agencies are now contradicting OPM’s directive, and that adds another layer of uncertainty.
What’s the Best Approach?
- Follow your agency’s guidance first. If your agency has already instructed employees not to respond, then that is your safest course of action.
- When in doubt, ask your supervisor. Your supervisor is part of your official chain of command—not OPM and certainly not Elon Musk. Forward the email and request clarification before taking action.
- If told to respond, keep it professional. Should you be required to submit your bullet points, focus on factual, neutral, and work-related updates that align with your performance plan.
How to Respond If Required
If you do have to reply, consider structuring your bullet points strategically:
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Stick to objective, clear, and professional summaries of your work.
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Emphasize tangible work completed and measurable impact.
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Avoid unnecessary details or personal opinions.
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Keep the tone neutral and factual—no need to editorialize.
Some see this email as an intimidation tactic, but federal employees have strong civil service protections. The key is to document your compliance while protecting yourself from unnecessary scrutiny.
Stay Mindful, Stay Protected
Federal employees often face unclear directives, policy shifts, and workplace stress. That’s why it’s essential to stay informed, calm, and proactive in protecting your career.
π‘ The Mindful Federal Employee Power Hub Membership provides resources, guidance, and a supportive community to help you navigate challenges like this with confidence and peace of mind.