April 2026 Newsletter

April 2026

PMA Legislative & Policy Update

April continues to bring evolving guidance across federal workforce policy, budget oversight, and IRS operations. Below are the key updates and leadership insights most relevant to you.

OMB: Budget Pressures & Performance Accountability

Office of Management and Budget is reinforcing fiscal discipline as agencies prepare for FY26.

• Increased scrutiny on staffing, contracts, and operational costs
• Expanded use of performance metrics tied to funding decisions
• Continued tension between modernization investments and cost controls

Manager insight: Document outcomes clearly—data-driven performance will continue to drive decisions.

OPM: Workforce Policy & Hiring Environment

Office of Personnel Management guidance continues to shape workplace expectations.

• Hiring constraints remain in place with limited exceptions
• Telework policies continue shifting toward mission-focused presence
• Stronger emphasis on performance differentiation

Manager takeaway: Set clear expectations early and reinforce consistency across your teams.

Treasury & IRS: Operational Realities

U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service continue balancing competing priorities.

• Sustained workload pressure across filing season and enforcement
• Attrition and hiring limitations impacting team stability
• Ongoing need for clearer, earlier communication to managers

PMA continues advocating for improved communication and realistic workload alignment.

Labor & Workplace Policy Developments

Federal labor relations policies continue to evolve.

• Shifts in collective bargaining structures across agencies
• Increased focus on defining managerial authority and responsibilities

PMA remains focused on ensuring IRS managers’ roles are clearly supported and understood.

Budget Outlook & Shutdown Considerations

• Continued uncertainty in long-term funding discussions
• Agencies maintaining contingency planning readiness

Manager reminder: Be prepared for rapid pivots and reinforce contingency awareness with your teams.

PMA Advocacy in Action

PMA is actively engaging leadership and policymakers to:

• Advocate for telework flexibility and practical workplace policies
• Push for greater manager involvement in decision-making
• Address training gaps for frontline and mid-level leaders
• Elevate morale, retention, and workforce stability concerns

Looking Ahead

PMA is closely monitoring:

• FY26 budget decisions and IRS funding
• Ongoing telework policy changes
• Workforce restructuring efforts
• Legislative developments impacting federal employees

Stay Engaged

Your voice matters.

• Share your insights and challenges
• Participate in PMA meetings and surveys
• Take action when Legislative Alerts are issued

PMA Executive Director Column – April 2026

Leading Forward: IRS Managers in a Time of Transformation

By Kelly Reyes

A New Reality for IRS Managers

The expectations placed on IRS managers are evolving rapidly. Direction from the Office of Management and Budget, workforce policy from the Office of Personnel Management, and modernization across the Internal Revenue Service are reshaping how work gets done.

This isn’t a future challenge—it’s happening now.

FROM ACTIVITY → TO IMPACT

Managers are no longer measured by volume alone.

Today’s focus:

• Outcomes over output
• Efficiency tied to funding
• Data-backed decision making

What this means:
Your role is shifting from tracking work to interpreting it—turning data into direction for your team.

LEADING IN THE AGE OF AI

Automation is changing the nature of work—but not the need for leadership.

• Routine tasks are decreasing
• Analytical and judgment-based work is increasing
• Human leadership is more critical than ever

Strong managers are:
✔ Encouraging adaptability
✔ Supporting digital skill growth
✔ Reinforcing that technology is a tool—not a threat

STABILITY IN UNCERTAINTY

Budget pressure. Hiring constraints. Policy shifts.

Your team feels it.

Your leadership matters most when:

• You communicate consistently
• You set clear priorities
• You remain visible and engaged

Even in uncertainty, consistency builds confidence.

THE POWER OF MANAGER VOICE

Managers are on the front lines of execution—and insight.

PMA continues to advocate for:

• Earlier inclusion in decision-making
• Clear communication before implementation
• Policies shaped by real operational experience

When managers are included early—outcomes improve.

LOOKING AHEAD

The months ahead will demand:

• Flexibility
• Strategic thinking
• Strong, people-focused leadership

This is the moment for managers to lead—not just manage.

PMA IS HERE FOR YOU

We remain committed to:

• Elevating your voice
• Supporting your leadership
• Advocating for practical, effective workplace policies

Kelly Reyes
Executive Director
Professional Managers Association

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