FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 08, 2009
January 08, 2009
Michael Victorian
(202) 639-6405
(202) 639-6405
OPM Federal Human Capital Survey Results Offer Incomplete Picture
(WASHINGTON) – The American Federation of Government Employees today responded to the newly released results of the Office of Personnel Management 2008 Federal Human Capital Survey. The survey, which has the stated goal of measuring employees’ perceptions of whether and to what extent, conditions that characterize successful organizations are present in their agencies, offers an incomplete picture with regard to federal employees’ feelings regarding their ability to fulfill their agencies’ mission.
“We know from our members that throughout the Bush administration federal employees have had their ability to provide key services to the American public hindered by continual contracting out, lackluster political appointees, and ever-present budget constraints,” said John Gage AFGE national president.
In this year’s survey, as in past years, the Federal Human Capital Report provides an overly broad depiction of federal employee attitudes. The size and scope of the federal bureaucracy results in wide ranging oscillations in employee attitudes, but it is clear than in agencies such as the Social Security Administration and the Transportation Security Administration political appointees and a lack of workplace protections have had detrimental effects on employee morale.
“Federal employees are committed, dedicated public servants that want to serve the American people and fulfill their agency missions. During this administration that has become increasingly more difficult to accomplish,” said Gage. “Despite what may be reflected by OPM.”
AFGE will look to further investigate the agency specific data which according to OPM officials will not be available until early March, including methodologies and agency breakdowns, for a more accurate perception of employee attitudes. “The men and women of the federal government do a yeoman’s job in providing services for the American public. We will continue to advocate on their behalf and fight to ensure that they have the resources necessary to enhance their agencies,” added Gage.
“We know from our members that throughout the Bush administration federal employees have had their ability to provide key services to the American public hindered by continual contracting out, lackluster political appointees, and ever-present budget constraints,” said John Gage AFGE national president.
In this year’s survey, as in past years, the Federal Human Capital Report provides an overly broad depiction of federal employee attitudes. The size and scope of the federal bureaucracy results in wide ranging oscillations in employee attitudes, but it is clear than in agencies such as the Social Security Administration and the Transportation Security Administration political appointees and a lack of workplace protections have had detrimental effects on employee morale.
“Federal employees are committed, dedicated public servants that want to serve the American people and fulfill their agency missions. During this administration that has become increasingly more difficult to accomplish,” said Gage. “Despite what may be reflected by OPM.”
AFGE will look to further investigate the agency specific data which according to OPM officials will not be available until early March, including methodologies and agency breakdowns, for a more accurate perception of employee attitudes. “The men and women of the federal government do a yeoman’s job in providing services for the American public. We will continue to advocate on their behalf and fight to ensure that they have the resources necessary to enhance their agencies,” added Gage.
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