SHRM Statement

2025

Government

Shutdown

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ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Emily M. Dickens, SHRM Chief of Staff and Head of Government Affairs, issued the following statement on the 2025 government shutdown.

“A federal government shutdown would create uncertainty and hardship for millions of workers, families, and businesses across the country.

Beyond the immediate disruption to federal employees, the ripple effects would be felt throughout communities and workplaces, threatening financial stability and operational continuity.

SHRM research shows that 37% of the non-USPS federal workforce — up to 860,000 employees per day — could face furloughs, leaving many households suddenly without income and unsure how they will meet basic needs such as housing and food.

Working caregivers are particularly vulnerable, with 59% expressing concern about finances, 51% about job stability, 49% about food security, and 47% about their mental health — significantly higher rates than non-caregivers.

The impact would not stop at federal employees.

Even a brief shutdown of one to three days could disrupt daily operations for 25% of organizations and put 23% of their annual financial goals at risk.

A shutdown lasting more than a week would affect 64% of organizations’ operations and 49% of their financial objectives.

For HR professionals, a shutdown compounds existing challenges.

They will be on the front lines managing furloughs, processing sudden changes in payroll, addressing employee anxiety, and ensuring continuity of essential operations — often with limited information and under tight timelines.

HR teams will also face increased demand for mental health support, leave management, and workforce planning as both federal and private-sector employees experience uncertainty.”

SHRM calls on Congress and the Trump Administration to work together to reach an agreement and avert a shutdown. Workers, families, employers, and the HR professionals who support them deserve stability and certainty, not avoidable disruption.”

About SHRM 

SHRM is a member-driven catalyst for creating better workplaces where people and businesses thrive together. 

As the trusted authority on all things work, SHRM is the foremost expert, researcher, advocate, and thought leader on issues and innovations impacting today’s evolving workplaces. 

With nearly 340,000 members in 180 countries, SHRM touches the lives of more than 362 million workers and their families globally.

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