Workforce
OPM’s new acting director defends federal telework, anti-Schedule F regulations
Rob Shriver defended the Biden administration’s workforce policies, citing new data suggesting fewer federal employees telework than their private sector counterparts.
Workforce
Governance experts launch a group to oppose Schedule F
The new organization hopes to offer a consensus way forward on civil service reform issues in addition to opposing efforts to politicize the federal workforce.
Workforce
Federal agencies’ engagement and morale bounced back in 2023, according to annual rankings
The Partnership for Public Service’s annual Best Places to Work in the Federal Government report found that roughly two-thirds of federal agencies saw boosts in employee engagement and job satisfaction last year.
Workforce
Watchdog agency to crack down on Hatch Act violators, including at the White House
An "escape hatch" for those improperly engaging in political activity will now close, Office of Special Counsel says.
Workforce
OPM announces new 'safe leave' for domestic violence victims
Federal workers may now take paid leave to address issues related to their or a family member’s safety or to recover from domestic violence, abuse or harassment, under new guidance from the government’s dedicated HR agency.
Workforce
TSA and AFGE ink their first contract under expanded collective bargaining rules
After two decades of abridged or no collective bargaining rights, frontline Transportation Security Administration finally enjoy similar rights to their colleagues elsewhere in government.
Workforce
FAA will soon be able to hire thousands of new staff as reauthorization bill heads to Biden’s desk
The agency is hopeful the hiring spree will mitigate flight delays, employee fatigue and near accidents at airports.
Workforce
As one telework reform measure advances, another is delayed
A measure that would codify remote work in the U.S. Code and improve telework data reporting advanced by a 9-2 margin in Senate committee, but consideration of another bill aimed at improving telework data was postponed.
Workforce
‘We are more complicit:’ Biden’s Israel policies spur feds to protest at the White House
A group of federal employees say their knowledge and access force them to speak out against the administration's position in the Israel-Gaza war.
Workforce
VA’s AI model to prevent suicides is a 'game changer,' official says
The REACH-VET program identifies roughly 6,700 retired servicemembers per month, according to a top lawmaker.
Workforce
The class of 2024 is applying to more government jobs, says college networking website
Handshake’s report says more college graduates are applying to government jobs, as hiring slows in technology and professional services.
Workforce
The Biden administration’s path to a green economy runs through Gen Z
COMMENTARY | The winning strategy? Engaging with young people where they are and paying them what they’re worth.
Workforce
House Dems ask agencies about their progress offering telework to military spouses
The fiscal 2022 National Defense Authorization Act requires federal agencies to offer remote work options to employees whose spouses are deployed overseas.
Workforce
Surgeon general says telework’s flexibility should be balanced with purposeful connection to promote mental health
The nation’s top doctor urged federal bosses to better promote workplace social connections to counter the feelings of isolation that telework may induce.
Workforce
IRS wants tax training focused on big filers
The agency seeks better training and access to tax law expertise regarding large organizations and wealthy individuals.
Workforce
Senators’ latest telework legislation could imperil remote work
A new bill from Sens. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, and Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., would cap all telework at 40% of an employee’s work hours, potentially endangering the federal government’s nascent remote work program.
Workforce
AFGE wins two more union elections for federal workers stationed in Europe
Two separate groups of Defense Department employees stationed in Germany voted to join the nation’s largest federal employee union this week.
Workforce
IRS says layoffs possibly by 2026 without sustained funding boost
The tax agency plans to grow its workforce another 14% in the coming years, but such growth could prove unsustainable.
Workforce
OMB leader defends administration’s approach to telework
House Republicans continued to demand better data from the Biden administration regarding the prevalence and effectiveness of telework at federal agencies.
Workforce