Introduction

Imagine dedicating your career to serving your country, only to wake up one day and find your job, reputation, and livelihood under threat—not because of your performance, but because of politics. For thousands of federal employees, this is their current reality.

As plans unfold to relocate jobs, replace experienced professionals, and enforce mass layoffs, federal workers are bracing for unprecedented challenges. In this blog, we’ll explore the struggles they face, the lessons we can learn from past actions, and how small acts of kindness and advocacy can make a powerful difference.

The Power of Empathy: Lessons from Bill Penzey

Bill Penzey, CEO of Penzey’s Spices, offers a shining example of how compassion can counter fear. Back in 2011, when Wisconsin teachers were targeted by a relentless campaign of hate, Penzey’s company delivered gift boxes to nearly 10,000 educators and school staff.

These simple, thoughtful gestures didn’t just brighten teachers’ days—they gave them the strength to stand tall in the face of hostility. One teacher wrote:

“The hate had gotten so bad, I stopped going to events where I might be asked what I did for a living. Then your gift arrived, and it reminded me that people care. I pinned the Teach! button to my shirt, and with that, I stopped hiding.”

This story reminds us that even small acts of kindness can have a profound impact, especially during tough times. As federal employees face similar hostility, we can take inspiration from Penzey’s example to show them they’re valued and supported.

The Growing Challenges for Federal Employees

The plans for federal employees under the new administration include relocating 100,000 jobs, slashing budgets, and replacing experienced staff with political loyalists. These changes aren’t just bureaucratic—they’re deeply personal and disruptive.

What Happened Last Time:

• When the Bureau of Land Management relocated jobs in 2019, nearly 90% of employees chose to leave rather than move.
• Similar relocations in the Agriculture Department resulted in half the staff quitting, causing significant delays and disruptions.

Now, federal employees are scrambling to protect themselves—scrubbing their social media profiles, seeking private-sector jobs, and even taking out liability insurance to prepare for potential retaliation.

These actions aren’t just administrative adjustments; they’re attacks on people’s livelihoods and dignity.

How You Can Support Federal Employees

In moments like this, standing together is essential. Here are actionable ways you can make a difference:

1. Speak Up:
   Use your voice to highlight the critical contributions of federal employees. Share their stories and counter harmful narratives.
2. Show Appreciation:
   A simple thank-you note, kind word, or small gesture of care can go a long way in lifting someone’s spirits.
3. Stay Informed:
   Read articles and stories about what’s happening to federal employees to better understand the challenges they face.
4. Advocate for Fairness:
   Reach out to your local representatives and demand policies that protect and value federal employees.
5. Build Empathy:
   Talk to your friends, family, and community members about the importance of public servants and the unfair hostility they’re facing.

Why This Matters

Federal employees aren’t just workers—they’re our neighbors, friends, and family members. They play a vital role in keeping our country running, and their dedication deserves respect, not hostility.

If we allow hate and fear to dictate the narrative, we risk losing not just experienced professionals, but also the trust and integrity that make our government work. Now is the time to stand together, show compassion, and advocate for a more just and supportive environment.

Conclusion

This is a moment for action. Federal employees are facing extraordinary challenges, and they need to know they’re not alone. Whether it’s through small acts of kindness, thoughtful advocacy, or simply raising awareness, we all have a role to play in supporting those who serve our nation.

Let’s take inspiration from Bill Penzey’s story and show that empathy and care can counter fear and hate. Together, we can stand with federal workers and remind them—and the world—that their sacrifices and dedication are valued.

References for Podcast 113:

• Bill Penzey CEO of Penzey’s Spices, December 11, 2024, newsletter at 7:11 AM has a story about his company and activism that is inspiring, It is entitled, “Our 2011 Milwaukee Public Schools Excellence in Education award!” I encourage you to get on his newsletter list—Penzeys Spices penzeys@penzey’s.com.
• The Washington Post, December 5, 2024, “Here’s what happened the last time Trump moved federal jobs out of D.C.” by Todd C. Frankel. https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/12/04/trump-move-federal-jobs
• The Washington Post December 8, 2024, at 5:00 AM EST “Federal employees scramble to insulate themselves from Trump’s Purge” by Lisa Rein and Jeff Stein. https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/12/08/federal-employees-trump-fear-purge