OPM Announces FEVS 2021 Issue Dates as the GLDS Deadline Approaches
On October 13, 2021, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) released a memo extending the opportunity of eligible federal employees to respond to the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS). OPM administers the survey in two waves: the first on November 1 and second on November 8, each with a five-week response window. The survey has a dual purpose: to gather agency feedback, and to provide oversight of human capital management that will inform subsequent policy.
The FEVS is typically administered in May; however, the COVID-19 Pandemic delayed the 2020 survey twice, placing strain on the 2021 survey’s release period. OPM’s deference of the 2021 survey is intended to limit the administrative burden on FEVS 2022 and return to the habitual May release.
According to the memo, changes to the administering of the 2021 FEVS from 2020 will include:
Employee eligibility will expand to non-permanent, season, and not full or part-time.
Implementing a streamlined sample to reduce employee burden and support efficiency.
Breakout reporting is limited to agency work in preparation for 2022.
OPM will provide a report schedule to indicate release.
The 2020 FEVS included several alterations to allow employees to provide feedback on the COVID-19 response. Some of these items will remain intact or following modification for the 2021 FEVA; this includes identifying how employees continue to achieve mission objectives while responding to the pandemic. A total of 38 items will carry over from the 2020 survey, with 100 items in total.
“The OPM FEVS continues to be one of the most powerful platforms for Federal employees to share their opinions and perceptions regarding work experiences influencing productivity, enabling leadership to identify improvements necessary to realize greater workplace effectiveness and efficiencies,” stated Kiran Ahuja, OPM Director, “When used, survey results support and drive mission achievement and service to the public across the Federal Government.”
FEVS coincides with the implementation of Governmentwide Learning and Development Survey (GLDS), launched on September 28, 2021, and concludes on October 27, 2021. The GLDS’ data will contribute to the Talent Development Policy Agenda formation, a forum that will determine the federal government’s training and development programs.
