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By: FEDweek StaffResults of this year’s Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey reported by DoD and DHS show that leadership and fairness in the workplace remain areas that employees think need improvement.
On the “employee engagement index” — which compiles responses to 15 questions across three general categories — the lowest-rated of the three categories is the measure of higher leadership, viewed positively by just 47 percent at DHS and just 58 percent at DoD. That is well below the ratings of immediate supervisors, 70 percent positive at DHS and 75 percent positive at DoD; and the overall work experience, 64 percent positive at DHS and 73 percent positive at DoD.
Similarly, at DoD the lowest-rated of the categories that make up the “inclusion” index, was fairness — which compiles five questions about whether employees are treated equitably—viewed as a positive by just 48 percent. The other components, including views of management’s openness, cooperation and support, ranged from 59 to 77 percent positive.
DoD also noted that this year’s survey included new questions including one adding more detail to responses to a question about support for the employee’s professional development. The responses showed that such support decreases with each higher layer of management.
However, DHS did report that the largest change over the 2017 survey was an 11-point gain to 76 percent positive on whether the work unit has the skills needed to accomplish the organization’s goals.
