OPM’s recently released Federal Workforce Priorities Report lists what it calls promising agency practices “intended to serve as a sample of examples and help generate ideas for other agencies when planning their own efforts in support of this report.” Programs highlighted include:
* The Defense Security Service’s onboarding program, which focuses on understanding the process and planning ahead, communication strategies with clear two-way communication, social integration, peer support with a mandatory sponsor, and organizational knowledge. Publications for managers and supervisors identify best practices on how to manage the first day, first week, first month, first six months, and first year of a new employee’s tenure, and a video discusses the key elements of successfully integrating new hires into the agency and provides detailed information about the roles and responsibilities that managers and sponsors play during the formal onboarding process.
* The Department of Education’s Pathways to Leadership Program, designed for GS-11–13 employees who aspire to move into leadership positions. Participants complete three to four assessments and training sessions incorporate the assessments and address topics including the psychology of leadership, group identity theory, and team building. The program also includes individual coaching, mentoring, a work detail, job shadowing, interviews of senior managers, a leadership book report, and self-selected leadership training.
* Education’s Transition to Supervision program that develops new managers, supervisors, and team leaders as they transition to their new role as a supervisor, which includes developmental training, informal learning activities, coaching, individual assessments, and development planning.
* EPA’s recognition programs, which include National Honor Awards, organizational and personal awards and major event or major personal milestone awards, and the SBA’s Kudos to You Program that allows employees to recognize the contri¬butions and accomplishments of one another.
* The Census Bureau’s Welfare and Recreation Association, an employee resource group that promotes the health and well-being of employees and provides athletic, social, and other events and educational or entertainment programs.
