SHRM Statement on the End of the Federal Government Shutdown

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Emily M. Dickens, SHRM Chief Administrative Officer, issued the following statement on the end of the government shutdown.

“SHRM welcomes the bipartisan agreement to end the federal government shutdown and restore stability for millions of workers, families, and employers nationwide. While this period has tested the resilience of our workforce and strained critical programs, it also presents a crucial opportunity to reset, refocus, and rebuild around shared priorities that drive our nation forward.

As federal operations resume, SHRM urges policymakers to advance collaborative, people-centered reforms that strengthen workforce readiness and economic competitiveness. This includes progress strengthening the  Education-to-Employment pipeline to close skills gaps; skills-first hiring and training policies that meet the demands of a changing economy; support for the nation’s 53 million caregivers through modern, flexible workplace policies; workplace immigration reforms that expand talent pathways; and balanced, human-centered AI governance that expand talent pathways; and balanced, human-centered AI governance that protects workers while enabling innovation,” said Emily M. Dickens, SHRM Chief Administrative Officer.

The shutdown underscored a fundamental truth: work is more than a paycheck—it is the foundation of thriving families, healthy communities, and a strong economy. Government must function as a responsible and reliable partner to the larger world of work.

This moment calls for a renewed commitment to civility and constructive dialogue—values at the heart of strong workplaces and effective governance. According to SHRM’s 2024 research, organizations that foster civility and psychological safety are far more likely to build trust, generate new ideas, and retain engaged workers. These lessons of respect and collaboration are as vital for public institutions as they are for employers.

The end of the shutdown should mark a broader recognition that the American workforce and economy must be prepared for rapid and continuous change—from demographic shifts and caregiving pressures to a tightening labor market and accelerated technological disruption.

SHRM stands ready to work with leaders at every level—public and private—to ensure that every workplace, including those within government, can meet these challenges with resilience, innovation, and shared purpose. Together, we can move beyond disruption and toward a more civil, stable, and future-ready world of work for all.”

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. Discover more at SHRM.org.