Following are two summary sections of the employee viewpoint survey, one a message from acting OPM director Beth Cobert and one a conclusion in the data section.
Message from Acting Director
In 2015, more than 400,000 employees participated in the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS). I am grateful for your willingness to devote your time to an undertaking so important to our goals of supporting excellence in government. Employee feedback on key performance metrics captured in the FEVS is singularly important to realizing OPM’s mission to maintain and enhance our talented, engaged, and diverse Federal workforce. The feedback you provide enables each agency to develop effective strategies and tools for driving continuous improvement.
Agency leadership has actively responded to feedback from prior years and these enhanced efforts are clearly reflected in FEVS results. Compared with 2014, more employees in 2015 perceive their agency conditions as conducive to engagement, describe their workplaces as inclusive, and report satisfaction with their jobs. On a government-wide basis, the Employee Engagement Index increased by 1 percentage point; however, that seemingly modest increase is supported by broad-based improvements — 27 of the 37 large, independent agencies increased by 1 percent or more and 10 agencies increased by 3 percent or more.
Agency leaders and managers have responded to the President’s Management Agenda on People and Culture by taking active steps to improve how employees engage with their jobs, organizations, and missions. Some examples I have seen as co-chair of the People and Culture plank include: better internal communication from leaders to employees, greater input from employees in how their agencies operate, increased training opportunities, and more explicit recognition for a job well done.
Results continue to indicate a highly motivated workforce — over 90 percent of survey participants are willing to commit extra effort when necessary and consistently seek out ways to improve. Overall, scores on almost three-quarters of the survey items showed an increase government-wide from 2014 (53 of the 71 core items), and no items decreased.
Results also point to important topics to consider for improvement in the upcoming year. A number of occupations have been identified as critical to the achievement of agency missions, including IT specialists. When compared with other mission-critical occupations, items related to employee recruitment, development and retention are rated lower among IT specialists, suggesting an important focus for future strategic initiatives.
While there is work to do, together we are making a difference. The gains realized this year will continue to grow so long as all of us — leaders, managers, supervisors, and employees — focus on improving the way we work together at every level to improve performance. The FEVS continues to be essential to assessing our progress and pointing the way forward.
I personally want to thank you for your feedback, as well as your service and commitment to the American people and to your country. I am honored to work in the company of such talented, motivated, and hardworking people.
Conclusion
Through participation in the annual Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS), Federal Government employees are given the opportunity to share their experiences and provide feedback about all aspects of their work life. For 2015, more than 421,000 employees, representing various demographic groups at all organizational levels, voiced their opinions about working in the Federal Government. By revealing what is working and what is not, FEVS results provide a guide to evaluation and action planning efforts to support and strengthen a culture of employee engagement and organizational performance.
Similar to previous years, results from the 2015 FEVS continue to document the unwavering dedication and devotion of the Federal workforce.
Ninety percent or more of Federal employees:
view their work as important
are willing to commit extra effort when necessary to get their jobs done
consistently seek out ways to do better
Progress is shown since 2014:
approximately 75 percent of the survey items increased
more Federal employees report being satisfied with their jobs
scores on three key indices — Engagement, Global Satisfaction, and New IQ — have increased
What continues to remain strong in 2015:
employees’ relationships with their supervisors
satisfaction with telework and alternative work schedules
Areas where improvement should still be made:
dealing with poor performers
recognizing differences in performance within the work unit
Federal Government employees are strong, resolute, and committed. The 2015 FEVS results show employee experiences are improving. While this improvement is a cause for celebration, additional work remains especially in the areas of performance management.
The survey is only the measuring stick; the real work lies ahead as agencies embrace survey results and move forward towards identifying and implementing improvement initiatives or sustaining success. Through the President’s Management Agenda plank on People and Culture, agencies have galvanized their resources behind strategies to improve employee engagement, which is a precursor to improved performance and productivity. With 27 of 37 large agencies increasing by one percentage point or more on the Engagement Index, the 2015 FEVS results provide an inkling of the return on investment that is possible when organizations focus on engagement.
Throughout the report, resources and processes are highlighted to assist agencies in next steps. Agencies are encouraged to start conversations with one another to address challenging issues and share best practices to accomplish complex change tasks. Working together we can provide positive experiences for employees and the public they serve.
