We changed the name in FY 2024 to be more encompassing of Federal employee engagement and innovation principles," said the IG. Image: DCStockPhotography/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffIn a sign of the times, the inspector general’s office at the Education Department has revised and relabeled its Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Initiative report as the Workforce Engagement Progress Report.
The new Trump administration is widely expected to revoke Biden administration DEI initiatives along with abolishing positions primarily working on such initiatives.
“We changed the name in FY 2024 to be more encompassing of Federal employee engagement and innovation principles and what our initiative seeks to achieve, which is to increase the level of engagement for OIG employees,” says the report. “When engaged employees from different backgrounds, experiences, and abilities feel represented, supported, and included, they are empowered to thrive in the workplace.”
The report cites engagement-related steps such as team-building activities, feedback sessions, mentorship and informal training, among others. “The importance of an engaged workforce cannot be overstated, as it leads to improved performance and productivity; increased innovation, creativity, and problem solving; better morale and employee well-being; and gives employees a stronger sense of purpose that helps them stay motivated during challenging times,” it says.
Much of the report however leans heavily toward DEI measures such as the makeup of the overall workforce and senior leadership and increasing the representation of women and minorities in recent years.
It also uses the language of DEI in saying that in 2025, “we will continue to enhance and expand our workforce engagement efforts, recognize, and celebrate the diverse backgrounds of our OIG team, and continue to build awareness that our strength and success as an organization lies in our differences, not our similarities.”
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