Unlocking Potential: Janet Petro’s June 27, 2025 Update on Voluntary Workforce Transformation

Thanks to everyone who joined this week’s town hall meeting. Over 32,000 viewers tuned in online, not including those who gathered in person to watch together. Special thanks to our tech team for ensuring a smooth livestream. While there was significant interest in potential layoffs, Janet Petro focused instead on what she called “voluntary workforce shaping.”

We covered some critical topics in the meeting, so here are a few highlights:

• Reorganizing takes time. We’re planning to define a new structure soon, but changes at lower levels will unfold over time. Patience is key as we adapt to become a more efficient organization.
• To prevent involuntary separations, we’re offering options like the Deferred Resignation Program (DRP) and Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA) until July 25. These programs may not be available again, so they provide an opportunity for those considering leaving.
• The President’s budget request for FY 2026 sets the groundwork for NASA’s priorities. Even as it moves through Congress, we need to align our workforce and resources with the proposed budget now.

Making decisions during these unpredictable times is tough. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed. As we await more information, lean on your support system and explore the resources available on our official site. Every choice counts.

Amid challenges, our mission continues, and I’m proud of what our team accomplishes. Here are a few recent highlights:

• NASA partnered with Roscosmos to adjust conditions at the International Space Station’s Zvezda module. This step allowed the launch of Axiom Mission 4, carrying former astronaut Peggy Whitson and others—a testament to our strong international partnerships.
• The NASA System-Wide Safety project collaborates with industry leaders like ResilienX. Their joint efforts aim to enhance safety in U.S. airspace, combining NASA’s advanced risk assessment tools with commercial systems.
• At Kennedy Space Center, the Orion spacecraft is being prepared for its Artemis II mission. Team exercises are already underway to ensure everyone is ready for the journey around the Moon.
• NASA’s IMAP spacecraft is set to launch this fall, with recent installations of key instruments crucial for studying space weather and the heliosphere.
• This week, our communications team won an Emmy Award for the live coverage of the upcoming total solar eclipse. It involved a remarkable coordination effort across multiple locations—highlighting our talented team.

Starting June 30, I’ve encouraged a “quiet week” for civil servants. While critical work continues, scaling back on meetings could help everyone recharge. If you’re considering time off, please talk to your supervisor.

Thank you all for your hard work. Let’s keep pushing forward.

Embrace the Challenge,
Janet

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