Pay & Benefits
Federal Retirement Applications, Processing Both Down in October
The backlog of pending requests crept to nearly 18,000 last month, although the number of applications is significantly down from the same period in 2018.
Management
The Agencies that Saw the Biggest Gains—and Losses—in Employee Happiness in 2019
Smaller agencies saw the widest swings in employee morale this year, as measured by the annual Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey.
Management
Employee Engagement 'Stable' Across Federal Government
The Office of Personnel Management’s annual Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey saw a modest uptick in participation in its second year of a census model, but engagement scores did not improve.
Management
OPM Makes It Easier for Feds to Shop for the Best Health Plan During Open Season
New plan comparison tool is more accessible and works better for employees overseas and on Medicare.
Management
OPM Proposes Ditching 'Clerk-Typist' and Other Occupational Classifications That Are Rarely Used Anymore
As many as 28 white collar job titles and 19 trade and craft occupations could be eliminated or rolled into other classifications following an administrative review.
Pay & Benefits
Personnel Agency Demands Data on Use of Union Official Time, Telework
A weekly roundup of pay and benefits news.
Workforce
Federal Court Denies Government's Appeal Seeking to Kill OPM Hack Lawsuit
With standing established, lower court will now have to hear the case on its merits.
Management
Merit Board Suggests Ways Agencies Can Hire 'Better,' Not Just 'Faster and Cheaper'
The Merit Systems Protections Board is lending its support to the Office of Personnel Management's hiring reform efforts.
Management
NTEU Blasts ‘Nonsensical’ Proposed OPM Rule Easing Firing of Feds
The federal employee union accused the Trump administration of forcing managers to focus on firing employees, rather than helping them succeed in their positions.
Management
OPM Urges Agencies to Abandon Disciplinary Guidelines for Poor Performers
The Trump administration wants to give managers more discretion to pick an appropriate punishment for a given situation.
Pay & Benefits
OPM Promotes Work-Life Balance, Retirements Decline, and More
A weekly roundup of pay and benefits news.
Management
OPM Calls on Agencies to Streamline Federal Firing
Agencies have until March 2020 to eliminate “unnecessary barriers to addressing poor performance,” and even stricter rules are likely on the way.
Management
Senate Panel Advances Spending Bills Blocking OPM-GSA Merger, Allowing USDA Relocations
Democrats say that in conference committee they will endorse House-passed provisions blocking the relocation of science agencies to Kansas City and authorizing an average 3.1% pay raise for federal employees.
Management
Senate Appropriators Join House in Blocking OPM-GSA Merger
Senators go with Trump's latest proposal for a 2.6% civilian pay raise for 2020 but no locality increase, while the House has approved an average 3.1% raise.
Management
OPM Moves to Implement Parts of Trump Order Easing Firing of Feds
Proposed rules would remind managers when new hires are approaching the end of probationary periods and streamline firing procedures.
Management
Weichert: Agencies Should Include Experts in Hiring Process
Guidance from the Office of Personnel Management encourages a renewed focus on competencies, rather than “minimum qualifications.”
Management
Controversial OPM Nominee Confirmed Mostly Along Party Lines
Senate approves Dale Cabaniss despite concerns regarding her past governmental experience and plans to merge the agency with the General Services Administration.
Management
Leadership, Flexible Work Arrangements Key to Success of Employee Health and Wellness Programs
Agencies earning top marks on recent assessment share their secrets.
Workforce
Agencies Offer Accommodations for Feds Affected by Hurricane Dorian
The Office of Personnel Management reminds agencies of options for federal employees in Dorian’s path.
Pay & Benefits