Independence Day and American Values
In honor of the 4th of July, the Department of State reflects on a nation built on ideas and autonomy.
Life Insurance Is the Real Commitment When It Comes to Marriage
Marriage is an exciting moment in people’s lives that initiates important changes. Few life-changing events are as significant as the big step, and life insurance is an important milestone to keep in mind.
OPM Extends ‘Schedule A’ Hiring Authority
In a memo last week to agency heads, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) extended the “Schedule A” expedited hiring process to fill positions needed for pandemic-related purposes.
Federal Employee Appeals Board Explains Corrective Action Options for Term Appointees
The Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) has ruled that term appointees are not entitled to serve beyond the role expiration date, nor are they entitled to a permanent position as relief in a personnel action.
Improving Team Morale by Creating a Safe, Inclusive Workplace
June as a particularly prominent time to recognize the importance of inclusivity for team morale in recognizing both Pride Month and Juneteenth.
OPM Highlights FY22 Actions, Outlines Roadmap for Future Efforts
Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director Kiran Ahuja told reporters the agency must improve its human capital management capabilities to become a strategic center for the federal government.
Unemployment Insurance Designated to GAO High Risk List
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) added earlier this month the Unemployment Insurance (UI) system to its list of federal services at “high risk” of waste and fraud.
The Leader Contrary to Leadership
It is not enough to be designated as a leader to develop leadership qualities. Likewise, you don’t have to be a designated leader to engage in leadership.
House Appropriations Committee Advances Cluster of FY23 Bills
The House Committee on Appropriations has continued in recent weeks to review fiscal year (FY) 2023 proposed expenditures. As of last Friday, the full committee advanced six bills.
What Kind of “Significant Change” in Working Conditions Protects Whistleblowers?
The law recognizes managers retaliate against whistleblowers via personnel action. Though common, one of the hardest to quantify is “significant change in duties, responsibilities, or working conditions.”
OPM Issues Sick Leave Fact Sheet Concerning Medical Related Travel
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) released a fact sheet Monday clarifying that federal employees may use sick leave for travel associated with accessing medical care.
Celebrating Pride in Government
On the latest FEDtalk, we celebrate Pride Month with a panel discussion concerning LGBTQ+ inclusivity in the federal government: both in the present and historically.
Federal Reserve Chair Speaks on the International Roles of the U.S. Dollar
Chair of the Federal Reserve Jay Powell discusses the preeminent role of the U.S. dollar in the global economy over the past century, from reserve currency to global trade.
Supreme Court Limits Personal Lawsuits Against Federal Employees
The U.S. Supreme Court’s sweeping decision in Egbert v. Boule precludes almost any new kinds of Bivens claims against federal employees, opening the door to a future overturn.
The Time to Improve Telework in the Federal Government is Now
The last update to federal telework policy was the Telework Enhancement Act of 2010 more than twelve years ago—long before the COVID-19 pandemic forced a reliance on telework.
House Oversight Committee Advances Federal Telework Expansion Bill
The House Oversight and Reform Committee advanced legislation this week aimed at enhancing federal telework policies by a vote of 23 to 17.
VA Accountability Office, Whistleblower Protection May See Restructuring
The House Veterans Affairs Committee (HVAC) has discussed a proposed restructure to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection (OAWP).
PRAC Updates Lessons Learned in Pandemic Oversight
Earlier this month, the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC) issued an update to its initial report first issued in September 2021 with five additional findings.