LANSING, MI — As government buildings across the country close their doors, federal workers in Michigan are grappling with an air of uncertainty about the future of their jobs. The wave of budget cuts led by Elon Musk and the Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE) has left many employees questioning if their workplaces will be next on the chopping block.
IRS employees in Michigan, in particular, are feeling the pressure. Recently, they were instructed to return to in-person work, only to receive an email informing them that several IRS offices across the state would be closing in June. Leases for federal buildings, including the one in Okemos, have already been canceled, adding fuel to the fire of concern. As more government offices face potential closure, workers are scrambling to secure new job opportunities amid an increasingly unstable environment.
“I’m scrambling to find another job. I’m annoyed that we have to go back only to be potentially terminated within three months,” said one anonymous IRS worker from Michigan, who chose not to disclose her identity for fear of retaliation.
The impact of these closures and budget cuts is being felt not only by those whose jobs are on the line but also by those who remain employed. Many workers say that understaffing has become a growing problem, with employees being asked to do more with fewer resources. IRS workers now face additional pressure to submit weekly reports detailing five tasks they have accomplished, further adding to the stress.
Former IRS employee Hayden Guild, who was recently let go from his position in Grand Rapids, voiced concerns about the increasing workload. “Whether it be a revenue agent taking on cases or service center employees working, they’re taking on the workloads of two, three, or even four probationary employees that were let go,” said Guild. “It’s hard, and things will drop through the cracks because of that…”
Workers fear that this overwhelming pressure could lead to a rise in errors, particularly in accounting and other essential tasks. The need for accuracy within the IRS is critical, and many fear that understaffing and added responsibilities will inevitably result in costly mistakes.
Experts are weighing in on the situation. Professor Tara Behrend, a human resources specialist at Michigan State University, described the tactics being used by management as “bullying” and ineffective. “Organizational leadership is not about bullying; it’s about creating a team and showing respect for people who are experts who are working hard,” said Behrend. Her comments echo concerns that the current leadership approach may not be conducive to fostering a productive and supportive work environment.
For many employees, the emotional and financial toll is already evident. With the constant uncertainty surrounding job security and the added stress of longer work hours and increased responsibilities, morale among federal workers in Michigan is at a low point. As closures and layoffs loom, the question remains: how will these budget cuts and office closures ultimately affect the public’s perception of government services?
With less support and resources, it’s likely that the quality of services offered by the IRS and other federal agencies may begin to suffer. As government employees try to navigate the turbulence, both their personal and professional futures are hanging in the balance.
As the situation continues to unfold, Michigan federal workers are left wondering whether they will be able to weather the storm or if more cuts are inevitable in the coming months.
