Federal Workforce Cuts Surpass 2025 Goals, OPM Reports

According to a recent blog post by Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director Scott Kupor, approximately 317,000 federal employees exited the government this year, while only 68,000 new employees joined. This significant turnover exceeds Kupor’s previous projections for workforce reductions.

Federal Workforce Cuts Surpass 2025 Goals

Kupor had previously indicated that the federal government was on track to reduce its workforce by 300,000 employees by the end of 2025, aiming for a total of 2.1 million employees. However, the current data suggests that the government has already surpassed this goal.

New Hiring Expectations under Executive Order

The blog post also highlighted new federal hiring expectations in line with an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on October 15. This order emphasizes improving efficiency within the federal workforce and aligning hiring decisions with administration priorities.

• Agencies must develop annual staffing plans for fiscal year 2026.
• Plans should include current workforce needs and skill gaps.
• Strategic hiring committees are to be formed by November 17.

Kupor explained that these staffing plans must address opportunities for reorganization and identify skills shortages. He also pointed out the critical need to attract early career employees, highlighting a demographic challenge in government hiring.

Focus on Efficiency and Talent

In an interview, Kupor noted the administration’s goal is to ensure that for every new hire, approximately four employees leave. This year, the federal workforce exceeded this ratio. However, he did not confirm if further reductions would be mandated for 2026.

The OPM will not dictate agency headcount. Instead, it will provide a holistic view of hiring needs across the government. Alongside Kupor’s memo, agencies are required to report quarterly on their hiring plans beginning in the second quarter of fiscal 2026.

The executive order also mandates the establishment of strategic hiring committees composed of senior leadership. These committees are responsible for overseeing hiring practices in line with merit hiring plans and ensuring that vacancies are filled strategically.

Addressing Future Workforce Needs

Kupor urged agencies to move away from traditional hiring patterns that rely on historical data or budget constraints. He encouraged agency leaders to assess their needs based on current priorities and to ensure that hiring processes focus on efficiency and delivering services at the lowest possible cost.

These new hiring strategies highlight the administration’s intent to reform federal workforce management, ensuring that it meets both current and future challenges while aligning with overarching government priorities.