The Federal workforce is at an inflection point. The January 20, 2025, Executive Order, Reforming the Federal Hiring Process and Restoring Merit to Government Service, calls for modernizing human capital management (HCM) through technology, data analytics, and digital platforms. Meanwhile, broader efficiency initiatives — such as the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) push for streamlined operations and ongoing discussions around Federal workforce reductions — are reshaping agency priorities.

How can Federal human resources (HR) leaders identify and address urgent workforce needs while relying on outdated legacy systems that limit visibility and reinforce data silos? What inefficiencies stand in the way of workforce optimization, draining valuable time and resources? How can modern, cloud-based technologies help agencies build a more agile, effective workforce?

MeriTalk, in partnership with Workday, surveyed 100 senior HR decision-makers across Federal civilian agencies and the Department of Defense (DoD) to assess the state of Federal HR solutions. This report explores key challenges, opportunities for change, and how modernization can drive better workforce outcomes while advancing the administration’s goal of maximizing government efficiency
and productivity.