Mitigating the Effects of Government Shutdowns on Federal Workers: Part Two

In my first blog post on government shutdowns, we explored why they’re occurring more frequently, their impact on hiring and efficiency, and a few healthy ways to prepare for them. In part two, we’ll explore the impact government shutdowns — and especially the frequent threats of them — have on the mental health of government workers.

The Ongoing Morale Challenge

Even before discussing the specter of a government shutdown, we must recognize the morale challenges facing federal workers. According to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), civil servants report job satisfaction rates that significantly trail behind the private sector. There are likely many reasons for this.

Factors such as lower pay, more complicated promotions, and persistent issues with diversity, equity, and inclusion contribute to the government’s struggle to attract and retain talent. Plus, younger generations, skeptical of government institutions, find the public sector less appealing due to perceived outdated technology, lower pay, and, yes, the looming threat of government shutdowns.

The perception that government workers are a drain of federal funds, and not essential to a healthy democracy, creates a further sense of devaluation among public sector workers. Despite their critical roles, such as ensuring the safety of food and medicine, government workers often internalize negative sentiments.

The transition from remote work to a hybrid model and in many cases back to mandatory office attendance, has also created a stressful work environment. The uncertainty surrounding workplace expectations and the constant need to adapt to new routines and conditions contributes to a sense of instability, exacerbating stress and anxiety.

The Impact of Shutdowns on Mental Health

In this already morale-challenged and stressful environment, government shutdowns, both actual and threatened, make things much worse. The constant uncertainty and anxiety surrounding shutdowns may lead many workers to question if the stress-to-pay ratio is tenable, pushing experienced workers to consider opportunities in the private sector. For those who stay, mental health can be impacted in a number of ways.  Some workers, burned by the “will they or won’t they” back and forth over shutdowns, may adopt a devil-may-care attitude, not preparing as they should, especially for financial disruptions. Others may feel even more stress and anxiety every time a new shutdown discussion comes to dominate the news.

Destigmatizing Mental Health Support

Government workers also face unique challenges in seeking mental health support, with many fearful that seeking assistance may affect their security clearances. Just as the belated acknowledgment of combat-induced PTSD highlighted the need for greater mental health services for veterans, it’s imperative to recognize the stress on federal employees and reform the support structures for their mental health.

If we learned anything from the Covid-19 pandemic, it is that all institutions must now make a concerted effort to destigmatize seeking mental health support among workers — and especially among our most essential workers across government.

As we navigate the complexities of government workforce management, fostering an environment that prioritizes mental health support and addresses broader morale issues is not just a matter of employee well-being, but also a strategic necessity for a resilient and effective workforce.

It’s time to acknowledge the toll government shutdown discussions have on the mental health of federal employees, especially in the midst of ongoing government worker morale challenges. While we won’t be able to change the political climate that makes government shutdowns more likely, in 2024 let’s all commit to building a workplace culture that supports, uplifts, and values the individuals dedicated to public service.

Russell Miller is Director of Implementation for Government Workforce Management, at OPEXUS. He has extensive experience providing implementation support for the HR Product Suite at OPEXUS. His expertise helps ensure products are delivered on time and on budget. He is passionate about using technology to improve the day-to-day functionality across government HR processes. In his free time, Russ enjoys Boston’s sport events, boating, and spending time with his family.