Modernization
Improving government services in 2020
Martha Dorris offers 10 predictions for how agencies will improve CX this year.
People
Lawmakers hope to extend paid parental leave beyond Title 5
A new bill would update federal workforce law to allow more employees to take advantage of a paid parental leave benefit.
People
GAO, Congress warn on Census staffing, cyber
On the eve of the 2020 census, oversight bodies are warning on risks that could compromise the population count.
Modernization
The Army turns to automation for officer assignments
The Army is hoping a little automation and more "back of the resume" data will better tell an officer's story when searching for next assignment and crack down on nepotism.
People
White House floats 1% pay raise for civilian feds in 2021 budget
Democrats in Congress and federal employee unions are pushing legislation for a 3.5% pay hike.
People
Trump looks to curtail DOD civilian employee unions
A recent White House memo authorized a new policy to let the defense secretary roll back collective bargaining among civilian workers at the Department of Defense.
People
Future-proofing government by fostering connections
Collaboration in and among agencies and dedication to customer service will ensure government can meet the demands of the future.
People
Retirement claims for feds spike in January
Retirement claims for January 2020 is largest in eight years.
People
OPM preps guidance about Wuhan coronavirus
Despite current low risk of contraction, OPM encourages feds to use good hygiene and use workplace flexibilities where needed
Cybersecurity
IC merging suitability and clearance reviews
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence says the move will strengthen human resources officers' role in hiring for nation's most sensitive positions.
Cybersecurity
Procurement plays into U.S. counterintel strategy
Educating industry and federal procurement workers on the basics of cyber threats is part of a holistic supply chain security strategy, said the head ODNI's National Counterintelligence and Security Center.
People
Carrots or sticks?
Steve Kelman considers the research on what makes for an effective motivator.
Modernization
Deputy secretary Jim Byrne out at VA
The number two official at the Department of Veterans Affairs was fired Feb. 3 by Secretary Robert Wilkie as the agency faces down a key milestone in a $16 billion tech project.
People
At hearing, IGs look to curb reprisals against whistleblowers
The Trump impeachment and trial put whistleblowers in the public eye, but behind the headlines, officials say, agency whistleblowers are subject to reprisal.
People
Union presses to suspend ruling on workplace impeachment talk
An emergency motion would pause an Office of Special Counsel policy designed to tamp down federal workplace advocacy of impeachment.
Cybersecurity
Security clearance backlog continues to drop
Senate Intel leaders praised efforts by government to get its backlog of active security clearance adjudications under control, but want to see the system support more diversity.
People
How to speed up Senate confirmation
Confirmation for political appointees has lagged, and the Partnership for Public Service has some ideas for picking up the pace.
People
EPA under fire from House panel for lax ethics enforcement
The House Oversight Committee wants to know why top officials have been able to sidestep or delay signing ethics pledges.
Cybersecurity
DHS workforce engagement scores still lag, but numbers may not tell the whole story
At a House hearing on DHS employee morale, the agency's human resources chief testified that the rankings don’t take into account ongoing efforts to address internal issues.
People