People

The COVID-19 crisis presents an opportunity to transform the federal workforce

The forced social experiment brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic is compelling the federal government to adapt culturally and technologically at a rapid pace.

People

OPM lifts caps on hazard pay for COVID-19

Government employees who are considered essential frontline workers could receive extra pay during the coronavirus pandemic, according to new guidance from the Office of Personnel Management.

People

DOD's telework surge could be permanent

A new emphasis on telework at the Defense Department in response to the COVID-19 pandemic could change work culture at the Pentagon, officials said.

People

House Dems seek consistency for feds in COVID-19 workforce policies

Childcare cost subsidies, weather and safety leave, telework allowances are among priorities for Democrats in planned CARES-2 legislative package.

People

Court ruling makes investigating whistleblowers easier

Whistleblowers must prove retaliation through official personnel action under the WPA

People

Temporary Excused Paid Leave sounds good but is hard to come by

Feds with dependent care responsibilities that stretch them to the breaking point have a stopgap once leave options are exhausted, but many agencies are reluctant to put it in play.

Cybersecurity

Navy CIO: Don't worry about shakeups at the top

The Navy CIO updated the workforce on telework practices, COVID-19 disclosures and what the change in service leadership means for the tech mission.

People

OPM loosens purse strings on recruitment, retention and relocation

New policy allows agencies to ask for waiver of 25% incentive and retention caps in COVID-19 response.

Cybersecurity

CISA looks to help secure federal telework

New guidance allows teleworking feds to connect and access agency and cloud resources from their homes while staying in compliance with the Trusted Internet Connection program.

People

Union warns of coronavirus exposure in federal prisons, VA facilities

The American Federation of Government Employees filed complaints with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration about alleged violations of safety standards.

People

Army accelerates virtualization of training, recruitment

Army training and recruiting leaders said the service has been gradually digitizing recruiting and training, but has now shifted online amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

Cybersecurity

CISA to release emergency TIC guidance for telework surge

The guidance will expire at the end of the year and will address capabilities such as email, networking, DNS, intrusion detection and data protection.

People

Senate Dems push hazard pay for essential workers

Feds are included in the proposed premium pay increase that would float $13 dollars per hour into the paychecks of frontline workers.

People

Supreme Court ruling makes it easier for older feds to sue for age discrimination

Federal employees 40 and above are entitled to process "untainted by age consideration."

People

AFGE head: Federal managers are exacerbating pandemic risks

In a recent interview, AFGE National President Everett Kelley said that some agencies have directed managers to exclude unions from key decisions involving employee safety.

Modernization

HHS tech official warns feds, contractors on virtual meeting risks

As remote collaboration become the default, federal agencies are advising employees and users that video teleconferencing software, phone meetings and other tools are at increased risk.

People

What do narcissists do to team performance?

Steve Kelman shares suggestive new research -- and offers some ideas for how federal managers might act on it.

People

Federal HR officials say they're hindered by general schedule pay

Agency chief human capital officers cite the GS as a hindrance to attracting talent to certain high-demand occupations.

Acquisition

DHS contractors subject to new COVID-19 screening procedures

The new restrictions come as federal agencies and industry grapple with how best to collaborate on projects under quarantines and social distancing guidelines designed to limit in-person gatherings.

People

Lawmakers look to shield defense contractors from COVID-19 fallout

Virginia Democrat Sen. Mark Warner and Texas Republican Rep. Mac Thornberry hope to protect national security by bolstering the industrial base.