Fewer Federal Employees Are ‘Thriving’ and More Are ‘Struggling’, According to New Survey

Why It Matters

Federal workforce morale directly impacts government efficiency, recruitment, and policy implementation, making the sharp decline a warning signal for policymakers.

Key Takeaways

• Thriving federal employees fell from 58% to 48% in one year
• Struggling federal workers rose to 47%, matching overall U.S. trend
• Suffering category increased to 5% amid policy uncertainty
• OPM skipped its annual employee survey due to anti‑diversity orders
• Partnership for Public Service surveyed 10,000+ feds, confirming agency‑wide declines

Pulse Analysis

Gallup’s latest quarterly data paints a stark picture of morale erosion within the federal workforce. While the overall U.S. labor market saw a modest dip in "thriving" employees, the government sector experienced a ten‑point plunge, bringing its thriving rate in line with the private sector’s 48% level. The rise in "struggling" and "suffering" classifications suggests growing anxiety about job security and future prospects, a sentiment amplified by recent staffing reductions and policy shifts under the current administration.

The implications extend beyond employee sentiment. Declining morale can erode productivity, increase absenteeism, and hamper the execution of critical public programs. Moreover, the Office of Personnel Management’s decision to forgo the mandatory Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey—citing compliance with anti‑diversity executive orders—removes a key feedback mechanism that agencies rely on to gauge workforce health. In response, the nonpartisan Partnership for Public Service launched its own large‑scale survey, revealing consistent declines across all 30 agencies surveyed, underscoring the systemic nature of the issue.

For policymakers, the data signals an urgent need to address the underlying drivers of dissatisfaction. Restoring confidence may require revisiting staffing cuts, enhancing transparent communication about career pathways, and reinstating robust, independent employee surveys. As the federal government grapples with budgetary constraints and political pressures, maintaining a resilient, motivated workforce will be essential to delivering services effectively and preserving public trust.