Data Literacy Could Be an Essential Skill for the Federal Workforce
A new report released last week by the Data Foundation looks at 10 innovations in data literacy that federal agencies can use to effectively navigate the ever-changing data landscape.
DOD Issues Guidance for Civilian Personnel Reentry as Omicron Subvariant Spreads
Last week, Department of Defense (DOD) Deputy Secretary Kathleen Hicks issued guidance on the reentry of civilian employees but emphasized that business as usual is not expected.
OPM Renews Effort to Diversify SES, Launches Toolkit to Encourage Women Candidates
There may be more opportunities for women to join the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a new program to increase diversity within all federal offices.
Partnership for Public Service Asks if Federal Employees Trust Their Employer
A recent survey of approximately 500 federal employees suggests that civil servants' trust in government is closely linked to leadership performance, productivity, and retention.
White House Directs Agencies to Analyze Digital Currency, Avenues to Mitigate Risk
President Biden signed an executive order (EO) Wednesday mandating federal agencies evaluate the risks and benefits of cryptocurrencies and establishing a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC).
Former Federal Officials Urge Congress to Check OPM’s Authority, Bolster CHCOs HR Oversight Capacity
In marking the 20th anniversary of the Chief Human Capital Officers (CHCO) Act of 2002 (Pub. L. 107-296), a panel of former federal officials testified before a Senate subcommittee on federal human resources (HR) reform.
Federal Employee Appeals Can Resume as MSPB Obtains First Quorum in 5 Years
With two of the three seats on the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) confirmed, federal employees who are looking for an appeal may not have long to wait for a resolution.
POTUS Uses State of the Union to Call Federal Employees Back to the Office
At President Biden’s inaugural State of the Union address, he outlined priorities for the federal workforce, including returning feds to in-person work.
GAO Report Highlights Need for Comprehensive OPM Guidance to Address Staffing Shortages
Using the personnel mobility program, established under the Intergovernmental Personnel Act of 1970 (PL 91-648), agencies can address critical skills gaps through temporary assignments.
President Biden Formally Announces FY 2022 Pay Raise
President Joe Biden submitted an alternative pay plan to congressional leaders on August 27 authorizing a 2.7 percent pay raise for most general schedule civilian employees. The raise is effective January 1, 2022.
White House Provides Further Guidance on COVID-19 Vaccination Leave Policy
Agencies are to allow employees up to 4 hours of administrative leave to get a COVID-19 vaccination, and up to 2 days of administrative leave following a dose resulting in an adverse reaction, according to the latest guidance from the White House Safer Federal Workforce Task Force released on August 25.
OPM Issues Interim Rule for Recruiting and Hiring Student Interns
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) released an interim rule on August 18, 2021 that would make it easier for student interns to be hired by federal agencies. In the past, federal agencies have had stringent rules surrounding their internship programs leading to a path of full employment. This new policy would make it easier for agencies to recruit and retain talented interns.
Safer Federal Workforce Task Force Releases Updated COVID-19 Testing FAQs
The Safer Federal Workforce Task Force, launched by President Biden to guide federal agencies on safety protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic, has released a new set of FAQs surrounding COVID-19 testing procedures.
President Biden Announces Intent to Appoint FLRA Federal Service Impasses Panel Members
On August 23, 2021, President Biden announced his intent to appoint a group of members to the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) Federal Service Impasses Panel. The panel is an entity within the FLRA that currently has no members. The panel chair and members serve on a part-time basis and aid in resolving negotiation impasses between federal agencies and unions representing federal employees.
GSA Releases FY 2022 Per Diem Highlights
The General Services Administration (GSA) recently released the federal per diem reimbursement rate that applies to federal employees traveling in the continental U.S. (CONUS) during FY 2022. Federal agencies use per diem rates to reimburse employees for expenditures incurred during official travel.
New IG Memo Finds HR Deficiencies at DOJ
The Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) issued a management advisory memorandum to leaders at the Justice Management Division (JMD) identifying a number of concerns with human resources policies and data. The memo notes several continued deficiencies initially identified in DOJ OIG’s October 2020 report on enhancing human capital titled “Top Management and Performance Challenges Facing the Department of Justice 2020.”
Updated Guidance on Protocol for Determining Vaccination Status of Federal Employees
The Safer Federal Workforce Task Force, launched by President Biden to guide federal agencies on safety protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic, announced in updated guidance that agencies need to ask about the vaccination status of federal workers, who could face consequences for providing false information but may decline to answer.