Change in Mask Guidance Presents Potential New Problems for Federal Managers
As the COVID-19 pandemic appears to slow across the country, federal employees are left to manage the fallout from the last two years.
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.
Justice Delayed is Justice Denied
There are federal employees who spent the five years the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) went without a quorum waiting, with their livelihoods damaged, home lives disrupted.
Postal Reform Bill Shows Impact of NARFE’s Advocacy Efforts on Behalf of Feds
Every day, half a million postal workers deliver mail to every address in America. Yet the Postal Service has struggled to maintain fiscal stability, putting the quality and reliability of those services at risk.
Federal Circuit Rejects Perceived Whistleblowing Claim
The Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) has long recognized claims where the employee has not made a protected disclosure, where supervisors perceive the employee to be a whistleblower.
Making Employees Happy at Work | TEDtalk
The world's workforce includes three billion workers, but only 40 percent say they are happy at work.
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.
Supporting Career Governmental Leaders Lead Through Change
The Senior Executives Association is focused on providing federal, career senior governmental leaders with opportunities to lead, collaborate, network, learn, and grow during a challenging period in our history. The future of federal work, the workplace, and federal leadership will look nothing like the world we lived in before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Customer Service Legislation Advances Through Senate Committee
The Federal Agency Customer Experience (FACE) Act recently advanced through the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. The bill now faces a full Senate vote before moving forward to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Thank God It's Monday! | Positive Psychology
Many people don’t like Mondays. Here are a few tips for creating a more positive workforce and making the most of Monday.
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.
Partnership for Public Service Calls for Reduction in Number of Senate-Confirmed Appointees, Highlights Trends in Senate Confirmation Process
An August 9, 2021 report from the Partnership for Public Service argues that Senate confirmations of political appointees to fill vacancies are a slow and time-consuming process and many positions should not require Senate confirmation at all.