An Academy White Paper
By: Ronald Sanders
By: Gail Lovelace
By: Donald Bathurst
As the federal government undergoes sweeping reforms and structural shifts, the National Academy of Public Administration has provided a timely and essential resource: Ensuring Human Capital Capabilities and Capacity During Organizational Change. The second of a five-part series organized around Leading Through Change, Academy Fellows Don Bathurst, Gail Lovelace and Ron Sanders identify and discuss the important human capital and human resource questions that senior officials should consider as their agencies undergo reorganization.
At the heart of the paper is a recognition that no two agencies experience change in the same way. Some are beginning to realign, while others are deep into restructuring. The Academy’s guidance is not prescriptive, but adaptive, offering a suite of considerations and best practices that can be tailored to each agency’s unique context.
“Questions for Consideration” prompt leaders to reflect on critical issues including whether their agency has the right skills and staffing levels to meet its mission, how morale and culture will be managed through change, and whether the agency has the necessary authorities and resources to implement reorganization plans.
The paper also explores the complex dynamics of reallocating workforce responsibilities. As functions are transferred, consolidated, outsourced, or eliminated, leaders must ensure continuity of mission delivery. This requires not only a clear understanding of the agency’s statutory responsibilities, but also a robust human capital strategy that includes upskilling, redeployment, and where necessary, partnerships with non-federal providers.
It emphasizes the need to support employees: both those who remain and those who depart. Transparent communication, access to transition services, and a commitment to preserving institutional knowledge are all highlighted as essential practices. This paper also underscores the importance of maintaining employee morale and engagement: a healthy organizational culture is a cornerstone of successful transformation.
Drawing on insights from Academy Fellows and past agency studies, Ensuring Human Capital Capabilities and Capacity During Organizational Change offers best practices that have been tested in real-world settings. These include developing strategic human capital plans, investing in employee engagement, and leveraging interagency councils for shared learning and support.
As agencies continue to evolve, this paper will serve as a vital tool for ensuring that the federal workforce remains resilient, capable, and ready to meet the needs of the American people.
