An OPMO report lists ongoing efforts and challenges in areas such as DEIA programs, evaluation systems and innovation. Image: Mark Van Scyoc/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffFederal agencies are making progress in workforce planning and other HR-related issues but face challenges including lack of dedicated resources, according to OPM’s report on the findings of the “human capital reviews” it conducted last spring.
One focus of the reviews was on workforce planning and analysis, an issue raised repeatedly in recent years by the GAO, agency inspectors general and others who point to “skills gaps” in current workforces and the need to add employees with expertise in fast-changing areas such as cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. OPM said that “overall, agencies are aware of the importance of enterprise-wide workforce planning” but “the rigor, depth and breadth” of such activities varies among the two dozen Cabinet departments and largest independent agencies.
Such planning “is more difficult in decentralized agencies with multiple components” and “lack of tools, funding, consistent methodology and/or guidance to embed workforce planning into business processes at those different levels is an issue. Some agencies lack clear plans to evaluate their strategies, monitor progress, and ensure their targets and milestones are met,” it said.
OPM similarly said that while “all agencies understand the benefit and importance of utilizing internships and other early career talent programs,” they “must balance this with more immediate mission goals.” That often means agencies focus more on recruiting experienced hires who can “hit the ground running,” it said.
The report meanwhile lists ongoing efforts and challenges in areas such as DEIA programs, evaluation systems and innovation, while citing some best practices from individual agencies in all the topics covered in the report.
OPM recently told agencies to gear up for this year’s round of reviews, to begin in March.
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