Management
The Federal Workplace Is Changing Rapidly, But Merit Principles Must Remain Untouched
The merit system should be at the core of any reforms agencies make to adapt to fast-changing workplace dynamics.
Management
Safety Net Benefit Access is Uneven
The authors of a new Urban Institute report join the podcast to discuss administrative burdens in public assistance programs
Workforce
Postal Police Won a Grievance, but They're Unlikely to Patrol
An arbitrator overturned a 2020 memo that confined the postal police force to acting solely as building security guards.
Management
A Key Agency in the Ohio Train Derailment Response Hasn’t Had a Confirmed Leader Since Biden Took Office
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration is under capable interim leadership, but the lack of a nominee sends a signal about the administration’s priorities, former officials and other observers say.
Workforce
Cutting Civilian Defense Jobs Won't Eliminate the Real Waste at the Pentagon, Union Says
If lawmakers want to find savings at the Pentagon, they should start with underperforming weapons systems and service contracts, AFGE officials said.
Management
Feds Push Local Election Officials to Boost Security Ahead of 2024
Local election offices can be “target-rich, cyber-poor” entities."
Management
Guardrails Are Needed to Help Protect the Integrity of the Post-Election Presidency
A few restrictions would help prevent aggrieved lame duck presidents from hijacking the functions of the executive branch.
Workforce
The Workforce Is Constantly Changing and HR Is, Too
Chief Human Capital Officers Jessica Palatka and Erin Moore join the podcast to discuss the changing nature of their jobs.
Management
The Bureau of Prisons Needs to Do More to Address Inmate-on-Staff Sexual Harassment, a Watchdog Says
The report “affirms the years of widespread reports from across the country of this pervasive and demoralizing conduct in our nation's prisons,” a union president said.
Pay & Benefits
When to Leave to Get Paid the Most for Your Leave
The pros and cons of working all the way to the end of the federal leave year.
Oversight
A Norfolk Southern Policy Lets Officials Order Crews to Ignore Safety Alerts
In October, months before the East Palestine derailment, the company also directed a train to keep moving with an overheated wheel that caused it to derail miles later in Sandusky, Ohio.
Tech
Watchdog: GSA Needs to Monitor Access Card Data
The agency’s inspector general found more than 32,000 failed access attempts over a two year period, which could pose a security risk.
Workforce
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Digital Workers?
Digital employees can work 24/7 and don't ever ask for a raise. But should companies be jumping into the AI revolution now?
Management
Say No to Politicizing the Civil Service, But Yes to More Flexibility
Banning exceptions to standard federal personnel rules could make agency-specific reforms more difficult.
Workforce
The Generational Shift Needs to Happen in the Federal Workforce
Anthony Fauci and Max Stier join the podcast to discuss hiring more young people into public service.
Workforce
Agencies Would Have to Think Harder Before Relocating, Under a New Bill
The legislation comes after a watchdog agency concluded hastily conducted relocations during the Trump administration caused staff exoduses and harmed agencies’ service delivery.
Workforce
Here's How Career Feds Can Avoid Getting Tripped Up by Congressional Investigations
Experts offer tips for civil servants to prevent themselves from becoming collateral damage in battles between the legislative and executive branches.
Management
OPM’s Event to Attract Laid Off Tech Workers Was Popular, But Will It Yield Results?
Despite widespread interest in a recent recruitment event, clear data on the number of hires remains unavailable to assess the immediate success of such career fairs to fill currently available roles.
Management
Federal Scientists Are Feeling More Empowered Under Biden, Though Censorship Remains a Concern
Employees "painted harrowing pictures" of their time under Trump, but in a new survey said things are mostly getting better.
Pay & Benefits