People

Culture change: A squishy topic but a vital one

The success of a new program or policy almost always comes down to creating a culture of trust and inclusion.

People

OPM tests tech for more collaborative workforce

OPM has started several collaborative technologies to create a more open workplace culture, according to OPM Director John Berry.

Modernization

OMB sets deadline for telework IT policies

The Office of Management and Budget is giving agencies 90 days to develop or update policies on buying IT to enable and promote the federal government’s adoption of telework.

People

DOD needs better plan to move off of performance-pay system

The Defense Department needs to do a better job of laying out specific goals and a timeline for designing a new performance management system, according to the Government Accountability Office.

People

Federal managers: Room for improvement?

The consensus among readers is that federal managers often don't get the job done. But what can be done about it?

People

Federal employees: Patriots, hangers-on or something in between?

Readers respond to a question about their motivation.

People

Why do you work for the government?

If you're in a job where you could be earning more in the private sector, why do you continue to work for the government?

People

OPM releases new time-to-hire reporting requirements

Federal agencies will soon be required to submit reports every quarter showing how long it takes them to hire new personnel, according to recent guidance from the Office of Personnel Management.

People

Tips for teleworkers: How to write better e-mail messages

Some federal managers write bad e-mail messages, says the Corporate Executive Board. Here are tips for doing it better.

People

In defense of federal employees (Washington Redskins, beware!)

FCW blogger John Klossner does his part to restore the self-esteem of feds who have been the target of so many congressional attacks.

Modernization

Fiberlink's MaaS360 enables GSA telework initiatives

The General Services Administration is leveraging Fiberlink's "mobility-as-a-service" technology.

People

Green benefits of telework aren't just for Earth Day

Telecommuting is said to have many benefits for the environment.

People

OPM has pilot program for online platform for job applicants

The new Assess online platform may eliminate the old "knowledge, skills, abilities" method of sizing up candidates.

People

Is pay for performance doomed to fail?

Pay for performance may be coming back, even though past efforts have failed. Do you think it stands a chance in the federal government?

Modernization

Keeping tabs on you and your teleworker, too

A third party releases an iPhone app to log users' keystrokes, and two scientists discover the same device is keeping tabs on your locations in an unprotected way.

People

Why outsourcing IT expertise could be a big mistake

As tempting as it sounds, federal agencies cannot afford – literally – to rely on contractors for technology innovation, at least according to one contractor.

People

VA starts telework tax credit

Virginia companies are being offered cash in exchange for starting telework progams.

People

Telework guidance incorporates Telework Act

The Office of Personnel Management on April 18 issued a telework guide to help agencies implement the Telework Enhancement Act and to serve as a resource on the law for rank-and-file feds.

People

Can agencies pay enough to attract top IT talent?

In the various debates about outsourcing, insourcing and federal pay, one issue almost always comes up: The tough competition for IT talent.

People

Feds: No joy in being the national punching bag

Federal employees don't enjoy the constant attention they are receiving from elected officials and political commentators.