Federal Manager's Daily Report

Results of the 2016 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey were positive overall but “we have areas we must continue to address,” the Pentagon’s civilian personnel policy office has said in a memo to components.

“Responses indicate that employees remain very positive about their work, jobs and mission, and appreciate the work-life programs, especially alternative work schedules and health and wellness programs. Employees continue to put in extra effort and seek ways to do their jobs better. Their jobs are important to them and their organizations have prepared them for potential security threats,” the memo said.

However, the survey also “identified challenges with performance management, employee development and recognition, and opportunities for growth within their organizations. Though ratings have largely remained consistent over the last several years, DoD leadership is committed to addressing these workforce concerns through a continuing emphasis on improvements such as the implementation of the Defense Personnel Management and Appraisal Program, and Strategic Workforce Planning,” it said.

Those positives and negatives largely reflect government-wide figures, in most cases differing by only a percentage point or two.

The Defense Personnel Management and Appraisal Program, part of a larger personnel initiative called New Beginnings, is being phased in over three years and eventually will cover the large majority of civilian DoD employees. It features a three-level rating system with numerous provisions for feedback between the employee and supervisor regarding performance expectations and evaluations.