As you all know, our government is kaput for the foreseeable future and since all of the Big 4 and many other DC-area firms serve the federal government, it stands to reason that a few of you might not have a lot to do today.
Last night, we were forwarded the text of an email that informed KPMG auditors of the contingency plan for the shutdown. Our tipster wrote "KPMG is asking those auditors assigned to federal clients to take PTO or 'keep productive' in the event the government shuts down."
In other words, if you want to catch up on Breaking Bad or apply for new jobs you can do that on your own time. Alternatively, it sounds like a perfect opportunity to talk about compensation.
Here's the entire email we were forwarded:
Subject: Government Shutdown Contingency PlansThe partners have been in contact with the contracting officers to determine if KPMG is allowed to continue working if the government shuts down. In most cases, we will be unaffected by a shutdown. However, in a few cases, we may be directed to “stop work.” If so, your partner will direct you as to what you should do and where you should work. Space in the DC office is very limited.You are encouraged to keep productive. In the event you do not have chargeable work, please be sure to complete all SYNC training and any other training you may be required to do, and work on preparing your FY14 goals.Alternatively, and this is possibly the first time we had said this during busy season – take PTO if you do not have chargeable work. If you do plan to take PTO, please notify [redacted] and the manager you are assigned to work with.Thanks.
I especially enjoy the admission of "possibly the first time we had said this during busy season." Gives you the sense that they really want people to know that this situation is the apex of extenuating circumstances. I imagine the first draft may have read, "There's NO WAY this would be okay if the government wasn't shut down, you lucky little BASTARDS," or something similar
How's the shutdown affecting those of you with federal clients? Share below or email us.
