Why Some Agencies Are Pausing RIFs—and What It Means for You
federal employment federal layoffs federal workforce mindfulness at work rif Jul 17, 2025Some agencies that once charged ahead with mass reductions in force (RIFs) are now quietly tapping the brakes. Officially, they’re citing early retirements and voluntary departures as sufficient workforce reductions. But let’s be honest—this isn’t strategy. It’s course correction.
In agency after agency, leadership is learning the hard way: cutting too deep has real-world consequences. Veterans face longer wait times for care. Civil rights complaints languish. Inspections and permitting processes stall. These aren't abstract impacts—they’re signs of systems cracking under the weight of short-sighted decisions.
You Were Never Just a Budget Line
This moment underscores a truth many federal employees already knew in their bones: the workforce is the infrastructure. You are the reason these programs function. When you're removed, it's not just a gap in headcount—it’s a breakdown in service delivery.
That realization is setting in for leadership, but it’s coming late. The cracks they tried to ignore are now turning into canyons. Their pause is not a gift. It’s a recognition that the system doesn’t work without you.
This Is a Pause—Not a Reversal
Let’s be clear: a few agencies hitting pause doesn’t mean this wave of RIFs is over. Many are still moving forward. Others are simply testing how much disruption they can withstand. Justice Sotomayor, in her dissent in McMahon v. New York, warned of this exact dynamic: that allowing the executive branch to gut workforces effectively erases the laws those employees are meant to carry out.
And that’s what we’re seeing—programs collapsing not because laws were repealed, but because the people enforcing them were let go.
What You Can Do Now
In moments like this, staying grounded is a radical act. Keep documenting what you do, especially if gaps in service are becoming visible. These disruptions aren’t just administrative—they’re evidence. They show exactly how essential your role is.
If your agency is pausing its RIF plans, stay alert. If it's still moving forward, don’t face it alone. Our firm works with federal employees across the country to navigate these shifting policies with clarity and legal strength.
And if you're looking for ongoing guidance, our Power Hub offers deeper resources and updates as the landscape evolves.
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.
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