Decoding the New Federal Workforce Executive Orders: What Government Leaders Need to Know

January 30, 2025

Jenny Mattingley, Vice President of Government Affairs at Partnership for Public Service, provides a detailed breakdown of the latest executive orders impacting the federal workforce. She begins with the return-to-office mandate, explaining how it broadly calls for an end to remote work but lacks clear implementation guidelines. Agencies must now navigate existing telework policies while preparing for questions from employees regarding accommodations and workplace expectations. She highlights the need for HR and policy teams to ensure smooth transitions while maintaining compliance with federal laws.  

She then discusses the reintroduction of Schedule F, now called Schedule PC, which shifts certain policy-related employees into a new employment category with fewer job protections. While not an automatic termination, it raises concerns about workforce politicization and job security. Agencies and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) must now determine who qualifies for this classification, creating uncertainty for many federal employees. Jenny emphasizes that the process will take time, especially since many leadership positions responsible for implementing these changes have yet to be filled.  

The conversation also covers the DEIA executive order, which has already resulted in some federal employees being placed on administrative leave while agencies assess their roles. Jenny expresses concern over the potential loss of experienced professionals, particularly in national security and policymaking, and warns of disruptions to agency operations. Additionally, she examines the hiring freeze, which—though not unusual—could impact agencies like the IRS if extended beyond the initial 90-day period. While exceptions exist for critical positions, Jenny notes that hiring freezes often slow down government operations and public services.  

Throughout the discussion, she stresses the importance of monitoring not just the executive orders but also the guidance from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and agency leadership. These directives will shape how policies are implemented, impacting the workforce for years to come. She advises federal employees and leaders to stay informed, engage with HR teams, and prepare for potential workforce shifts while keeping an eye on broader legislative and budgetary actions that may further reshape government operations.

Key Takeaways:

1. Agencies Must Navigate the Return-to-Office Mandate. The executive order calls for an end to remote work but does not include detailed implementation guidance. Agencies will need to determine how to align this directive with existing telework policies and workforce needs.
   
   
2. Schedule PC Introduces a New Employment Classification. The rebranded Schedule PC shifts certain policy-related employees into a different employment category with adjusted job protections. Agencies and OMB will need to clarify criteria and implementation details, which could impact workforce planning.
   
   
3. Executive Orders Signal Workforce Policy Shifts. The hiring freeze, DEIA policy changes, and administrative leave decisions will require agencies to assess their workforce strategies. Leaders must balance policy implementation with maintaining operational effectiveness and retaining key talent.