OPM Highlights Plans to Transform Federal Executive Boards, Amplify Employee Voices
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is working to give federal employees located outside the DC area a bigger voice in the workplace.
The details came out in the annual report covering the activities of the 28 Federal Executive Boards (FEBs), which are regional organizations that work to enhance communication, coordination, and collaboration among federal agencies nationwide.
This report covered the activities of FEBs in fiscal year (FY) 2023.
In the report, OPM noted that FEBs are undergoing a transformation phase, with a new funding model, centralized operations under OPM, and an updated regional model that will double the number of federal employees eligible.
“This transformation is designed to enhance the FEBs' effectiveness in fostering interagency collaboration, better serve the 85% of federal employees located outside Washington, DC, and expand FEBs’ reach to areas with significant federal activity but no FEB presence,” said OPM.
It’s a notable goal as surveys have shown that federal employees located further away from Washington often experience lower engagement and job satisfaction.
On funding for example, agencies used to rely on voluntary funding from regional agencies. Now, they have authorization to contribute more funding to support the programs, potentially making them more robust.
FY 2023 Highlights
The report also covered highlights from the FEBs in FY 2023. It noted that the Boards:
Conducted training opportunities for nearly 30,000 federal employees, including workshops on leadership, retirement, and dispute resolution.
Sponsored emergency exercises for more than 690 federal employees representing 76 agencies.
Supported agencies efforts to maximize operational efficiencies and organizational performance
The Boards made significant progress in all three of their strategic lines of business and, as a result, reduced duplicative efforts and contributed to improved government operations.
“I commend the Boards for their contribution to a more effective and efficient Federal Government to serve the American public,” wrote OPM Acting Director Rob Shriver.
