People

New guidelines for hiring military spouses due by year's end

New provisions eliminate geographic restrictions, a two-year eligibility requirement and occupational licensing rules that often left military spouses in low-paying jobs for which they were overqualified.

People

IG, legislators condemn Trump administration for attacks on career officials

State Department Office of the Inspector General report alleges obstruction and political attacks on career civil servants

People

Thrift Board backs China investment over lawmakers' objections

Despite criticism from multiple U.S. Senators, the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board affirmed a move to invest in an index fund that includes Chinese state-owned companies.

People

2019 FEVS reports on shutdown

Despite furloughs and no pay, agencies reported being well supported.

Digital Government

Implementing evidence-based policymaking

Agencies and the White House are getting into the weeds of how to put the OPEN Government Data Act into effect.

People

Agencies lag on IT workforce planning, GAO says

The congressional watchdog warned that agencies are putting billions in spending at risk by not taking steps to raise skills and competencies in the IT workforce.

People

AFGE president takes leave in the wake of sexual harassment allegations

J. David Cox says the charges, from at least 10 employees, are "scurrilous, politically-motivated attacks."

People

Democratic lawmakers look to block USDA relocations in funding measure

More than 30 lawmakers signed an Oct. 24 letter urging House and Senate appropriators to block funds to relocate two Department of Agriculture agencies out of Washington, D.C. to the Kansas City region.

People

OPM orders agencies to report 'official time' data

With workforce executive orders in effect, the Office of Personnel Management is looking for data on how much job time federal employees spend on union matters.

Cybersecurity

GAO highlights security threats to federal employees

Extremist views on public land control put federal employees at risk, and government officials have played a part, according to the chairwoman of a House subcommittee.

People

OPM offers a 'second chance' at federal employment

The Second Chance Act aims to help lower barriers for otherwise eligible federal employment applicants with criminal records.

People

OPM's new guide to reading employee viewpoint data

A new toolkit from the Office of Personnel Management focuses on using data to understand and improve employee-manager relations.

People

AI disruption and STEM jobs

OMB is currently drafting a memo and soliciting feedback from industry partners to regulate how agencies should use artificial intelligence in the workplace.

Cybersecurity

McAleenan resignation puts the spotlight on DHS vacancies

Ten of the most senior posts at the Department of Homeland Security are held by acting leaders, and only five have candidates in the Senate confirmation pipeline.

People

OPM urges agencies to rethink employee discipline

In a new guidance, the Office of Personnel Management offers details on implementing a planned rule on federal employee discipline.

People

FDIC offers parental leave to agency employees

A union leader hailed the move as a good start, and called on Congress to extend family leave to all federal employees.

People

Weichert: Federal HR designed for stability not agility

The federal hiring process doesn't match the changing nature of agency work, inhibiting training, advancement and recruitment, said the former acting director of OPM.

People

Strategies for finding and keeping new feds

Federal agencies are getting creative as they look to replace retiring employees with new hires.

People

OPM gets cranking on workforce orders

After a judicial injunction was lifted, the Office of Personnel Management ordered agencies to resume plans to fully implement new workforce policies contained in three controversial executive orders.

People

Feds face 5.6% health insurance hike

Premiums are going up for participants in the Federal Employees Health Benefits program.