The MSPB is sending out a “merit principles” survey seeking views of federal employees on issues such as engagement, recruitment and retention, fair treatment, HR services, and how well their agencies address poor performance. The MSPB survey covers some of the same topics as the annual government-wide Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey conducted by OPM but involves fewer recipients, about 120,000, and is conducted only once every several years. In addition, it delves more deeply into issues such as harassment, discrimination and violence in the workplace. Like the OPM survey, participation is voluntary and confidentiality is guaranteed; MSPB has asked agencies and unions to support participation.