Elements of Job Objectives Outlined

The key provision for many employees in the NSPS pay-for-performance system is the job objectives, since that is what will be rated and ultimately will be the basis for performance-based salary increases. According to the new draft guidance, the objectives will be written jointly by the employee and supervisor, will communicate specific individual, team or organizational responsibilities and expected contributions with related outcomes and accomplishments, draw a “line of sight” between the employee’s work, the work unit’s goals and the organization’s success, and will be “results-oriented and mission-focused.” Objectives will have to be specific, measurable, aligned, realistic and relevant, and timed.