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Personnel Reform and the Federal Workforce

Author

Listed:
  • Alessandra Fenizia

  • Christos Makridis

Abstract

This paper examines the effects of the 2025 U.S. federal personnel reforms. Using a difference-in-differences design, we document a persistent decline in federal employment, employee engagement, and job satisfaction, alongside a temporary increase in burnout and job search activity. Subjective well-being also declines and remains depressed, indicating spillovers beyond the workplace. Effects are heterogeneous by political affiliation, with large responses among Democrats and Independents and muted responses among Republicans. We find no evidence of partisan differences in attrition, suggesting that deteriorating attitudes did not translate into sustained labor market exits or changes in workforce composition.

Suggested Citation

  • Alessandra Fenizia & Christos Makridis, 2026. "Personnel Reform and the Federal Workforce," Working Papers 2026-006, The George Washington University, The Center for Economic Research.
    • Handle: RePEc:gwc:wpaper:2026-006
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    File URL: https://www2.gwu.edu/~forcpgm/2026-006.pdf
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    JEL classification:

    • J45 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Public Sector Labor Markets
    • J28 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Safety; Job Satisfaction; Related Public Policy
    • H83 - Public Economics - - Miscellaneous Issues - - - Public Administration
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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