Federal Workers Express Distress Over "DOGE" Emails Requiring Weekly Accomplishment Reports
A wave of anxiety and frustration is sweeping through the ranks of federal employees following the introduction of a new requirement to submit weekly reports detailing their accomplishments. These emails, dubbed "DOGE" emails by some, are being perceived as threatening and harassing, causing significant distress among the workforce.
Cathy, a federal worker, voiced her concerns during an interview at a town hall in Haymarket, Virginia, stating that the emails felt like a demand to justify their positions. "It came out wanting us to justify our jobs with five things we did," she explained to MSNBC. She recounted a particularly stressful experience, noting that she was working late on a Saturday night to catch up on work disrupted by distractions from the executive branch when she received the email. "It’s very hard to keep your train of thought when you’re getting threatened and harassed like that," she added.
The initiative to send these emails reportedly stems from Elon Musk, founder and CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, Inc., who is apparently leading President Donald Trump’s "DOGE" project. The emails, originating from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), carry the subject line "What did you do last week? Part II," and have quickly sparked controversy, going viral on social media and attracting widespread cable news coverage.
The email’s core request is simple: employees are asked to "reply to this email with approx. 5 bullets describing what you accomplished last week and cc your manager." Responses are mandated by 11:59 pm ET on Monday. For those working with sensitive or classified information, the email instructs them to specify that their activities are sensitive in nature.
MSNBC host Ali Vitali, who engaged with attendees at the town hall, shared with Morning Joe’s Joe Scarborough that she heard accounts of federal workers seeking anti-anxiety medication due to the stress induced by these emails. "There is such anxiety and concern about their own financial well-being, their own ability also to continue serving the American public," Vitali emphasized. She recounted a conversation with one woman who confided that she had contacted her doctor to obtain anti-anxiety medication, overwhelmed by the "harassment and the barrage of emails."
Andrea, a federal contractor, echoed these sentiments, telling MSNBC that "everyone is on pins and needles." She highlighted the plight of seasoned professionals nearing retirement who are determined to persevere for the sake of their colleagues. "There are tenured professionals that are, you know, maybe within months of retirement, but, you know, they they’re trying to stick it out for everyone else and be brave," she said.
Andrea emphasized the demanding nature of their work, particularly those supporting the defense department. "And the jobs that we do, I support the defense department and the jobs that we do are so stressful. And to have this on top of it, I mean, I know that that’s their goal is to make it miserable. So the people that are staying and fighting, I, I just can’t thank them enough," she stated.
The concerns raised by these federal workers highlight the potential impact of such directives on employee morale and well-being. Critics argue that the requirement to quantify accomplishments in a concise bullet-point format may not accurately reflect the complexity and nuance of their work. Furthermore, they fear that this initiative could create a culture of fear and competition, potentially hindering collaboration and innovation.
The OPM’s decision to implement this policy has raised questions about its rationale and potential consequences. Some observers speculate that it is an attempt to streamline performance evaluations or identify areas for improvement within the federal workforce. However, others view it as a thinly veiled effort to pressure employees and potentially justify future staffing reductions.
Regardless of the underlying motives, the "DOGE" emails have clearly struck a nerve with federal employees. The accounts of increased anxiety, stress, and the need for medication paint a concerning picture of the impact on their mental and emotional health. As the controversy surrounding these emails continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the OPM will address the concerns raised by the workforce or whether the policy will remain in place, potentially exacerbating the existing anxieties within the federal government. The situation underscores the importance of fostering a supportive and respectful work environment that values the contributions of its employees, rather than subjecting them to policies perceived as threatening and harassing.
