It’s tough to fire government employees, but contrary to what people think, it’s not impossible. New legislation has made it easier over the years. Continuity of operations and fighting favoritism have been reasons for the difficulty in the past, but those arguments are becoming less convincing in recent years. While leadership changes can adjust billet numbers and departments, some employee actions can remove them from their position.
10 Major Mistakes That Could Get Federal Employees Fired
Government employees under investigation might be put on administrative leave, and unions can slow the process, but serious mistakes can derail a career. Here are the top 10 that can end your federal career (and even your future prospects in national security).
1. Accepting Bribes
Bribery is a serious offense and can lead to termination and prison time. It’s crucial for national security that employees and contractors have zero tolerance for bribery. Look up Fat Leonard on our site, and you’ll see how bribery impacted many former government employees (and contractors).
2. Abusing Your Position
Misuse of power, such as using federal credentials to avoid a ticket or asking employees to perform personal tasks, can lead to investigation and termination.
3. Not Reporting Conflicts of Interest
Failing to fill out disclosure forms properly or falsifying information can result in losing certain duties and needing to find new employment. This can be a sticky one when you’re jumping back and forth between contractor work and federal service. If you’re in a position to award a contract or play a role in the decision process, watch out for any conflicts of interest.
4. Poor Performance
Government employees with poor performance might hold on longer than in the private sector, but significant impact and thorough documentation can lead to termination. Billet adjustments might lessen their impact but ultimately hurt everyone involved. Bottom line? Mess up regularly and in major ways that shed a bad light on your office, and it could put you looking for your next job somewhere else.
5. Espionage
Sharing classified information, whether out of intent to harm the U.S. or from a misguided sense of altruism, will get you fired and potentially land you in prison. Always handle classified information with care.
6. Gift Violations
Federal employees must avoid accepting gifts to prevent bribery. The Office of Government Ethics has strict rules about accepting gifts. Violating these rules can lead to termination or prison time. The rules on gifts are there to protect against any hint of bribery. Those sporting event tickets might not seem like an issue to you, but consider their price tag. And don’t set yourself up for violating these rules.
7. Questionable Moral Judgment
Using government-owned computers or smartphones improperly, such as visiting questionable websites, can get you fired. Uncle Sam is always watching, and misuse of government systems is a big no-no. Don’t forget that misuse of IT systems is also one of the adjudicative guidelines that will also lead to a security clearance revocation.
8. Credit Card Abuse
Government employees must pay the full amount due on their government credit cards. Failure to do so can result in losing credit card privileges and potentially needing to find a new job. The frustrating thing is that payment might not hit your bank account, but you’re still expected to keep up with payments. While travel and expense improvements have been made over the years, the system favors the Type A employee who is able to track it all.
9. Engaging in Political Activity While on Duty
The Hatch Act prohibits federal employees from engaging in political activities while on duty – something to remember in a political season. Violations can lead to suspension or termination. It may be tending to advocate for your favorite candidate, but the rules are clear. Anything that looks like speaking on behalf of the government or using your position to sway the votes of others can lead to a violation of this. You can engage personally in political activities, but keep a close eye on the optics.
10. Padding a Job for Retirement
Awarding contracts with the hope of future employment can raise questions and lead to prosecution. Federal employees must prioritize the country’s best interests. This one lines up a bit with conflicts of interest, but it goes further with an intent to personally benefit. Many former government leaders find they have to walk this fine line of networking with government contractors for their future position.
Remember, some of these actions not only risk your job but could also result in imprisonment. It’s important to respect your position and follow the rules. The Department of Defense’s Encyclopedia of Ethical Failure provides numerous examples of why these rules are in place.
