OPM is optimistic and there is near universal agreement that hiring reforms are necessary and overdue, but it remains to be seen whether agencies have the capacity to carry out these reforms as planned.
A recent Partnership for Public Service study found that many federal HR leaders have doubts that their HR employees have the right resources, training and support to implement the reforms.
Chief human capital officers interviewed for the study also identified tough challenges for moving forward with the reforms, including pay, classification and performance management systems, tension between agencies and OPM, the leadership abilities of federal managers, poor quality IT, and restrictive labor relations.
The report concluded that a greater investment should be made in the capabilities and competencies of mangers in order to make long-term progress and sustain it.
