OPM Clarifies Musk’s Email request is voluntary for federal employees

English , RKI Ad , Snippets , / Monday, February 24th, 2025

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The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has clarified that federal employees are not obligated to respond to a recent email demanding weekly accomplishment reports. In guidance issued to human resources leaders across agencies, OPM emphasized that replying to the email is voluntary and that non-compliance will not be considered a resignation.

The clarification follows Elon Musk’s directive on Saturday, which called for all federal employees to submit five bullet points summarizing their weekly achievements by midnight on Monday or risk termination. However, OPM’s guidance, shared during a Chief Human Capital Officers Council meeting, directly contradicts Musk’s demand.

“Employee responses to the OPM email are voluntary,” stated an email obtained by The Hill. “OPM also clarified that a non-response to the email does not equate to a resignation.”

The dispute has intensified tensions between federal agencies and Musk, with several departments advising their staff to disregard the email altogether. OPM’s guidance effectively shields employees from potential repercussions for failing to respond, aiming to maintain established federal employment protocols.

As the standoff continues, agency leaders are standing firm, ensuring that any directives affecting federal employees follow proper administrative procedures rather than external pressures.