Image: Markus Mainka/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffFederal employees with disabilities have an “overall different experience working in the federal government than their peers,” the Partnership for Public Service has said, as reflected in their views on the factors that go into its rankings of the best places to work in government.
Responses by employees with disabilities were more negative in measures such as views of agency leadership, innovation, recognition, teamwork and work-life balance the Partnership said in a blog posting. Further, scores of employee engagement and satisfaction were more negative in 37 of 40 agencies.
The group said that based on its analysis and a recent roundtable discussion it hosted, takeaways for management include (in its words):
* “People with disabilities may require multiple and varying accommodations throughout their career. While accommodations are often viewed as “special treatment,” staff with disabilities still have the same job expectations placed on them as their peers without disabilities. It is not just a law but a civil right to guarantee that people with disabilities have the requisite resources and tools to succeed in the workplace.
* “Federal agencies need to provide significant training around the Americans with Disabilities Act and normalize conversations about how to better engage people with disabilities in the federal government. Currently, the burden of educating staff and leadership about accommodation needs for employees with disabilities falls on employees with disabilities themselves. Human resources should take proactive steps to educate all staff about creating an inclusive work environment that embraces the accommodation needs of these employees.
* “Good inclusive practices mean making underrepresented groups the primary focus of support or development to ensure they have the same opportunities or protected rights as their peers. Using these practices for people with disabilities would help build a better workplace for both other marginalized groups and all employees. When staff with disabilities succeed, it leads to the success of the entire team and the organization.”
Warning Raised about Water Quality in Federal Building Child Care Centers
Temporary Funding Among Top To-Dos as Congress Returns
Vaccine Mandate Back in Court for Another Round of Argument
MSPB Takes Narrow View of Veterans Preference in Two Cases
Reminder: Postal-Only Health Plan Not Coming Until 2025
Backers of WEP, GPO Repeal Bill Hope to Force Vote in House
Biden Reaffirms Intent for 4.6 Percent Raise; 0.5 Points Would be Split Off as Locality Pay
Contractor for New TSP System Owns Up to Missteps
See also,
CSRS and FERS – Why They Exist, Why They Differ
Exceptions to the 10 Percent Early Withdrawal Penalty
What Happens to Your Retirement Application
