Accessibility Grows Among Federal Workforce, Correlates with EEO Complaints Rise
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) indicated that the federal workforce is becoming more accessible, however, many hurdles remain.
OPM Issues Skills-based Guide to Recruitment for Federal Agencies
In a memo last Thursday, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) outlined more detailed skills-based hiring guidance for federal agencies to overcome persistent federal recruitment challenges.
OPM Directs Agencies to Implement Choice of Workforce Development Priorities
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) instructed agencies to implement two of the four primary priorities outlined in the 2022 Federal Workforce Priorities Report.
New Bill Addresses ‘Dysfunctional’ Federal Hiring Process
Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Mike Braun (R-IN) introduced last week legislation to overhaul hiring in the federal workforce and proposing to remove recruiting obstacles.
President Biden Signs EO Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in Federal Agencies
Last week, President Joe Biden signed an Executive Order on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the Federal Workforce. The new order directs agencies on how to improve diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility among their employees.
White House Releases Memo Detailing Workplace Reentry for Federal Employees
The Biden administration released a memo on June 10, 2021 to facilitate the safe, effective, and efficient return of federal employees to the physical workplace given the declining threat of COVID-19. The administration lifted the 25 percent occupancy rule for federal buildings, but continues to require detailed plans from agencies regarding return-to-work initiatives prior to increasing occupancy.
OPM Extends Deadline on Hiring Guidance for Agencies
A May 7, 2021 memo from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) extends the deadline for agency heads to develop agency assessment strategies that rely on more than just educational qualifications and applicant self-assessments when making hiring decisions.
Prioritizing Federal Personnel: Policy Priorities for the Executive and Legislature
On the latest episode of the FEDtalk podcast, panelists discussed elevating the importance of human capital management in the federal government.
American Rescue Plan Expands Benefits for Federal Workforce
On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package that expands benefits for the federal workforce and Americans.
3.2% Federal Pay Raise Bill Introduced in Senate
Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) formally introduced the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act, which would provide federal workers with a 2.2 percent across-the-board pay increase next year, along with an average 1 percent increase in locality pay. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA) introduced companion legislation in the House in January.
Personnel Vetting, Suitability, Clearance, and Credentialing Efforts Move Forward
The federal government’s efforts to modernize and rationalize its workforce vetting policies and protocols continue to move forward, with actions coming at the tail end of the last administration and in the first month of the Biden administration.
Lawmakers Push for More Vaccines for Federal Workforce
In a letter to Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Acting Director Kathleen McGettigan and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Rochelle Walensky, several Democratic lawmakers from the National Capital Region, including Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) and Del. Eleanor Norton Holmes (D-DC), have requested that the federal government allocate vaccines for federal employees, especially those in the National Capital Region of Washington DC, Virginia, and Maryland.
Biden Rescinds Schedule F, Workforce Executive Orders from Trump Administration
President Biden rescinded several executive orders imposed by President Trump within his first few days in office. Among the rescinded orders is one signed on October 21, 2020 that created a new “Schedule F” class of federal employees.
NAPA Releases Proposed Executive Order to Improve the Federal Workforce
The National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) has released a proposed executive order titled Modernizing and Reinvigorating the Public Workforce and Restoring Honor in Public Service. The proposal, written by fellows of the Academy, provides guidance that would rebuild trust in the public sector and strengthen the federal workforce. NAPA is an organization that helps government leaders solve their most critical management challenges by providing expert advice to government leaders in building and managing more effective, efficient, equitable, accountable, and transparent organizations.
Trump Administration to Stop Taxpayer Funding for Critical Race Theory Training
A September 4, 2020 memo (M-20-34) from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought asserts that critical race theory (CRT) trainings for federal employees are un-American and go against the founding principles of the United States. The memo directs agencies to cancel contracts and cease funding for these trainings.
Agencies Focus on Reskilling During Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic is changing the way the federal workforce operates and evaluates employee skills. Much of the federal workforce has shifted to virtual work during the pandemic, and this change has had an effect on the way employees work in the federal realm.
OPM Launches New Records System
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is introducing a new records system titled “Federal Competency Assessment Records” that will collect and store OPM data to be used for training and development purposes.
Federal Workers Deemed Essential Allowed to Restore Annual Leave
A new interim final rule by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) explains how agencies can restore annual leave for employees who are deemed essential during the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, most federal employees can carry over 30 days of leave to the following year even if they accrue more. However, agencies can restore “use or lose” privileges in extenuating circumstances.