Modernization

Telework speeds security-clearance process

At-home investigators at the Office of Personnel Management helped to reduce the security clearance backlog, John Berry, OPM director, said today.

Cybersecurity

OPM cuts security-clearance processing time

The investigation period has been decreased from a year to just under 40 days, according to testimony given by OPM Director John Berry before a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs subcommittee. But some still say more can be done.

People

Agencies gradually embrace telework

The overall number of teleworkers federal increased from 94,643 in 2007 to 102,900 in 2008, a report says.

People

Get a Life!: Improving Hiring

A recent report warns that government needs to hire 11,500 workers in IT by 2012. But skeptics warn that with the current hiring process, it ain’t gonna happen.

People

National Security Personnel System needs redesign, OPM says

The National Security Personnel System should be rebuilt because of systemic problems, a task force finds.

Modernization

Agencies get creative to recruit acquisition workforce

Administration officials say new ideas are being tried to expand the acquisition workforce.

People

OPM wants to hear from you

The Office of Personnel Management is offering federal employees a chance to give feedback online.

People

Emerging plans could make government a model workplace

Plans for making government a model workplace are starting to appear on the work life front.

People

Get a Life!: Marley and life

Unlike Marley the dog's family, federal workers may gain more work life balance with legislation on parental leave and telework, writes blogger Judy Welles.

People

Telework gets a ‘giddyap’ from OPM

The new director of personnel management wants more employees working from home, for their benefit and for the benefit of others.

People

OPM prods agencies to speed telework

The Obama administration lays out a plan to increase the number of federal employees that regularly telecommute.

People

OPM director sees major problems, bright spots

John Berry recognizes that little progress has been made since the 1980s in simplifying the hiring process and keeping federal pay equal to that in the private sector.

Modernization

GAO: Retirement program modernization lags

OPM’s attempt to modernize a paper-intensive and antiquated retirement system is only partially complete, according to GAO.

People

Senate confirms Berry as OPM chief

The former head of the National Zoo said he wants to make the federal government a model employer.

Modernization

4 lessons on changing employee performance metrics

A strong performance management system links employees’ results with that of the immediate organization and larger agency mission.

People

OPM: Feds can hire temporary workers

The flexible hiring authority would let agencies implement the economic stimulus law, the OPM acting director said.

Digital Government

Bush orders reciprocity for employment suitability decisions

President George W. Bush today ordered agencies to accept other agencies' decisions on the fitness and suitability for their jobs for some federal employees and contractors.

People

Power positions: Federal positions on the front lines

A small number of politically appointed agency executives will set and enforce President-elect Barack Obama's policy and management initiatives.

Digital Government

The FCW mailbag

Read our readers comments and find out how you can be a part of the discussion.

Cybersecurity

GAO: DOD needs to improve security clearance timeliness, quality

The Defense Department continues to reduce the number of days required to process security clearances, but it probably won’t meet the 60-day goal next year.