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2007 Employee Survey Results

2007 Annual Employee Survey Results
U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM)

1. Interpretation of Results:

The results of the 2007 OPM employee survey continued to show an increase in positive responses. In addition to the required survey questions, OPM used the additional questions contained in the Federal Human Capital Survey to allow a more direct comparison to previous survey results and findings. We are pleased to report that OPM-wide data reflect an increased positive response rate in 93 percent of the survey questions, with field employee responses showing the greatest overall increase. Nearly half (45 percent) of the survey items reflected a positive rating of 65 percent or greater (compared to 31 percent of survey items in 2006), and no items reflected negative ratings of more than 35 percent. Sixty-three percent of the responses reflected a positive percentage increase of 5 or more points since 2006 and no items reflected a decrease of 5 or more percentage points. Ninety-three percent of employees responded they feel the work they do is important; 88 percent feel they are held accountable for achieving results; and 86 percent know how their work relates to the Agency's goals and priorities. The areas showing the greatest overall increase in positive responses include the assessment of employee training needs (14 percent increase); organizational satisfaction (12 percent increase); satisfaction with training received (11 percent increase); and satisfaction with employee recognition (11 percent increase). During 2008, the Agency plans to continue its supervisory training initiatives to ensure managers have the necessary tools to meet their human capital management responsibilities. In addition, we plan to continue our ongoing communication strategies to ensure all employees are provided information on a timely basis.

2. How the survey was conducted:

The survey was conducted online from October 29, 2007, through November 20, 2007.

3. Description of sample:

All full-time permanent OPM employees were surveyed.

4. Survey items and response choices:

See the tables on the following pages (required Annual Employee Survey items are marked by an asterisk).

5. Number of employees surveyed, number responded, and representativeness of respondents:

Of the 4,435 employees surveyed, 2,931 responded, for a 66% response rate. The survey respondents are generally representative of the OPM population, as shown in Table 1 below.

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Table 1 - Representativeness of Respondents
Category Population Respondents
Supervisory Status
Non-Supervisor 91% 82%
Team Leader 8%
Supervisor 8% 7%
Manager 3%
Executive 1% 1%
Gender
Male 40% 42%
Female 60% 58%
Are you: Hispanic or Latino
Yes 4% 5%
No 96% 95%
Racial Category
White 70% 73%
Black or African American 27% 21%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander <1% 1%
Asian 3% 2%
American Indian or Alaska Native 1% 0%
Two or more races (Not Hispanic or Latino) <1% 3%
Sub-Agency
Office of the Inspector General 3% 2%
Office of the Chief Financial Officer 3% 3%
Division for HC Leadership and Merit System Accountability 5% 5%
Division for HR Products and Services 27% 22%
Management Services Division 7% 7%
Federal Investigative Services Division 51% 55%
Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy 4% 4%
All Other Components 2% 2%

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Table 2 - Survey Results
Surveys Distributed: 4,435     Surveys Returned: 2,931     Response Rate: 66%
Item Text   Strongly Agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly Disagree Do not Know Total
*(01) The people I work with cooperate to get the job done. Frequencies 1147 1425 197 125 37   2931
Percentages 39.1% 48.6% 6.7% 4.3% 1.3%   100.0%
*(02) I am given a real opportunity to improve my skills in my organization. Frequencies 613 1238 544 393 143   2931
Percentages 20.9% 42.2% 18.6% 13.4% 4.9%   100.0%
(03) I have enough information to do my job well. Frequencies 523 1528 471 328 81   2931
Percentages 17.8% 52.1% 16.1% 11.2% 2.8%   100.0%
(04) I feel encouraged to come up with new and better ways of doing things. Frequencies 639 1072 605 445 170   2931
Percentages 21.8% 36.6% 20.6% 15.2% 5.8%   100.0%
*(05) My work gives me a feeling of personal accomplishment. Frequencies 924 1260 400 226 121   2931
Percentages 31.5% 43.0% 13.6% 7.7% 4.1%   100.0%
*(06) I like the kind of work I do. Frequencies 1213 1238 326 92 62   2931
Percentages 41.4% 42.2% 11.1% 3.1% 2.1%   100.0%
*(07) I have trust and confidence in my supervisor. Frequencies 1038 1082 413 221 177   2931
Percentages 35.4% 36.9% 14.1% 7.5% 6.0%   100.0%
(08) I recommend my organization as a good place to work. Frequencies 793 1123 548 270 197   2931
Percentages 27.1% 38.3% 18.7% 9.2% 6.7%   100.0%
*(09) Overall, how good a job do you feel is being done by your immediate supervisor/team leader? Frequencies 1269 938 455 150 119   2931
Percentages 43.3% 32.0% 15.5% 5.1% 4.1%   100.0%
(10) How would you rate the overall quality of work done by your work group? Frequencies 1330 1290 262 30 19   2931
Percentages 45.4% 44.0% 8.9% 1.0% 0.6%   100.0%
*(11) The workforce has the job-relevant knowledge and skills necessary to accomplish organizational goals. Frequencies 476 1644 472 243 60 36 2931
Percentages 16.2% 56.1% 16.1% 8.3% 2.0% 1.2% 100.0%
*(12) My supervisor supports my need to balance work and family issues. Frequencies 1290 1091 302 119 94 35 2931
Percentages 44.0% 37.2% 10.3% 4.1% 3.2% 1.2% 100.0%
(13) Supervisors/team leaders in my work unit provide employees with the opportunities to demonstrate their leadership skills. Frequencies 663 1165 624 285 158 36 2931
Percentages 22.6% 39.7% 21.3% 9.7% 5.4% 1.2% 100.0%
*(14) My work unit is able to recruit people with the right skills. Frequencies 351 1099 854 319 159 149 2931
Percentages 12.0% 37.5% 29.1% 10.9% 5.4% 5.1% 100.0%
(15) The skill level in my work unit has improved in the past year. Frequencies 483 1163 761 259 89 176 2931
Percentages 16.5% 39.7% 26.0% 8.8% 3.0% 6.0% 100.0%
(16) I have sufficient resources (for example, people, materials, budget) to get my job done. Frequencies 463 1311 495 404 237 21 2931
Percentages 15.8% 44.7% 16.9% 13.8% 8.1% 0.7% 100.0%
*(17) My workload is reasonable. Frequencies 372 1447 498 396 198 20 2931
Percentages 12.7% 49.4% 17.0% 13.5% 6.8% 0.7% 100.0%
*(18) In my most recent performance appraisal, I understood what I had to do to be rated at different performance levels. Frequencies 874 1329 326 207 153 42 2931
Percentages 29.8% 45.3% 11.1% 7.1% 5.2% 1.4% 100.0%
*(19) My talents are used well in the workplace. Frequencies 625 1262 504 318 192 30 2931
Percentages 21. 43.1% 17.2% 10.8% 6.6% 1.0% 100.0%
*(20) I know how my work relates to the agency's goals and priorities. Frequencies 977 1533 262 81 64 14 2931
Percentages 33.3% 52.3% 8.9% 2.8% 2.2% 0.5% 100.0%
*(21) The work I do is important. Frequencies 1635 1087 136 40 26 7 2931
Percentages 55.8% 37.1% 4.6% 1.4% 0.9% 0.2% 100.0%
*(22) Physical conditions allow employees to perform their jobs well. Frequencies 649 1230 552 270 171 59 2931
Percentages 22.1% 42.0% 18.8% 9.2% 5.8% 2.0% 100.0%
*(23) Promotions in my work unit are based on merit. Frequencies 345 947 750 343 281 265 2931
Percentages 11.8% 32.3% 25.6% 11.7% 9.6% 9.0% 100.0%
*(24) In my work unit, steps are taken to deal with a poor performer who cannot or will not improve. Frequencies 244 891 719 394 257 426 2931
Percentages 8.3% 30.4% 24.5% 13.4% 8.8% 14.5% 100.0%
*(25) Employees have a feeling of personal empowerment with respect to work processes. Frequencies 277 1104 762 427 244 117 2931
Percentages 9.5% 37.7% 26.0% 14.6% 8.3% 4.0% 100.0%
(26) Employees are rewarded for providing high quality products and services to customers. Frequencies 410 1048 608 454 248 163 2931
Percentages 14.0% 35.8% 20.7% 15.5% 8.5% 5.6% 100.0%
*(27) Creativity and innovation are rewarded. Frequencies 297 837 821 517 272 187 2931
Percentages 10.1% 28.6% 28.0% 17.6% 9.3% 6.4% 100.0%
*(28) Pay raises depend on how well employees perform their jobs. Frequencies 277 902 784 460 276 232 2931
Percentages 9.5% 30.8% 26.7% 15.7% 9.4% 7.9% 100.0%
(29) Awards in my work unit depend on how well employees perform their jobs. Frequencies 370 1050 643 344 250 274 2931
Percentages 12.6% 35.8% 21.9% 11.7% 8.5% 9.3% 100.0%
*(30) In my work unit, differences in performance are recognized in a meaningful way. Frequencies 251 833 820 467 275 285 2931
Percentages 8.6% 28.4% 28.0% 15.9% 9.4% 9.7% 100.0%
*(31) My performance appraisal is a fair reflection of my performance. Frequencies 682 1269 417 280 219 64 2931
Percentages 23.3% 43.3% 14.2% 9.6% 7.5% 2.2% 100.0%
*(32) Discussions with my supervisor/team leader about my performance are worthwhile. Frequencies 717 1247 498 230 191 48 2931
Percentages 24.5% 42.5% 17.0% 7.8% 6.5% 1.6% 100.0%
(33) I am held accountable for achieving results. Frequencies 958 1623 254 42 33 21 2931
Percentages 32.7% 55.4% 8.7% 1.4% 1.1% 0.7% 100.0%
(34) Supervisors/team leaders in my work unit are committed to a workforce representative of all segments of society. Frequencies 585 1177 640 126 115 288 2931
Percentages 20.0% 40.2% 21.8% 4.3% 3.9% 9.8% 100.0%
(35) Policies and programs promote diversity in the workplace. Frequencies 492 1084 730 139 137 349 2931
Percentages 16.8% 37.0% 24.9% 4.7% 4.7% 11.9% 100.0%
*(36) Managers/supervisors/team leaders work well with employees of different backgrounds. Frequencies 662 1254 536 142 125 212 2931
Percentages 22.6% 42.8% 18.3% 4.8% 4.3% 7.2% 100.0%
*(37) I have a high level of respect for my organization's senior leaders. Frequencies 599 1088 636 336 245 27 2931
Percentages 20.4% 37.1% 21.7% 11.5% 8.4% 0.9% 100.0%
*(38) In my organization, leaders generate high levels of motivation and commitment in the workforce. Frequencies 397 1009 742 445 288 50 2931
Percentages 13.5% 34.4% 25.3% 15.2% 9.8% 1.7% 100.0%
(39) My organization's leaders maintain high standards of honesty and integrity. Frequencies 583 1106 632 236 216 158 2931
Percentages 19.9% 37.7% 21.6% 8.1% 7.4% 5.4% 100.0%
*(40) Managers communicate the goals and priorities of the organization. Frequencies 627 1544 425 188 123 24 2931
Percentages 21.4% 52.7% 14.5% 6.4% 4.2% 0.8% 100.0%
*(41) Managers review and evaluate the organization's progress toward meeting its goals and objectives. Frequencies 626 1501 474 110 74 146 2931
Percentages 21.4% 51.2% 16.2% 3.8% 2.5% 5.0% 100.0%
*(42) Employees are protected from health and safety hazards on the job. Frequencies 514 1393 588 199 116 121 2931
Percentages 17.5% 47.5% 20.1% 6.8% 4.0% 4.1% 100.0%
*(43) My organization has prepared employees for potential security threats. Frequencies 478 1565 512 207 81 88 2931
Percentages 16.3% 53.4% 17.5% 7.1% 2.8% 3.0% 100.0%
(44) Complaints, disputes or grievances are resolved fairly in my work unit. Frequencies 270 771 825 217 204 644 2931
Percentages 9.2% 26.3% 28.1% 7.4% 7.0% 22.0% 100.0%
(45) Arbitrary action, personal favoritism and coercion for partisan political purposes are not tolerated. Frequencies 450 923 710 224 213 411 2931
Percentages 15.4% 31.5% 24.2% 7.6% 7.3% 14.0% 100.0%
(46) Prohibited Personnel Practices are not tolerated. Frequencies 647 1072 557 97 120 438 2931
Percentages 22.1% 36.6% 19.0% 3.3% 4.1% 14.9% 100.0%
(47) I can disclose a suspected violation of any law, rule or regulation without fear of reprisal. Frequencies 498 994 674 194 216 355 2931
Percentages 17.0% 33.9% 23.0% 6.6% 7.4% 12.1% 100.0%
(48) Supervisors/team leaders provide employees with constructive suggestions to improve their job performance. Frequencies 557 1428 480 287 132 47 2931
Percentages 19.0% 48.7% 16.4% 9.8% 4.5% 1.6% 100.0%
*(49) Supervisors/team leaders in my work unit support employee development. Frequencies 652 1381 473 238 134 53 2931
Percentages 22.2% 47.1% 16.1% 8.1% 4.6% 1.8% 100.0%
(50) Employees have electronic access to learning and training programs readily available at their desk. Frequencies 466 1304 571 286 99 205 2931
Percentages 15.9% 44.5% 19.5% 9.8% 3.4% 7.0% 100.0%
*(51) My training needs are assessed. Frequencies 347 1204 700 406 180 94 2931
Percentages 11.8% 41.1% 23.9% 13.9% 6.1% 3.2% 100.0%
(52) Managers promote communication among different work units (for example, about projects, goals, needed resources). Frequencies 444 1200 620 337 185 145 2931
Percentages 15.1% 40.9% 21.2% 11.5% 6.3% 4.9% 100.0%
(53) Employees in my work unit share job knowledge with each other. Frequencies 891 1415 297 209 104 15 2931
Percentages 30.4% 48.3% 10.1% 7.1% 3.5% 0.5% 100.0%
(54) Employees use information technology (for example, intranet, shared networks) to perform work. Frequencies 988 1582 219 55 43 44 2931
Percentages 33.7% 54.0% 7.5% 1.9% 1.5% 1.5% 100.0%
*(55) How satisfied are you with your involvement in decisions that affect your work? Frequencies 395 1145 702 477 212   2931
Percentages 13.5% 39.1% 24.0% 16.3% 7.2%   100.0%
*(56) How satisfied are you with the information you receive from management on what's going on in your organization? Frequencies 407 1259 630 459 176   2931
Percentages 13.9% 43.0% 21.5% 15.7% 6.0%   100.0%
*(57) How satisfied are you with the recognition you receive for doing a good job? Frequencies 513 1147 619 432 220   2931
Percentages 17.5% 39.1% 21.1% 14.7% 7.5%   100.0%
*(58) How satisfied are you with the policies and practices of your senior leaders? Frequencies 360 1058 809 457 247   2931
Percentages 12.3% 36.1% 27.6% 15.6% 8.4%   100.0%
*(59) How satisfied are you with your opportunity to get a better job in your organization? Frequencies 288 865 979 458 341   2931
Percentages 9.8% 29.5% 33.4% 15.6% 11.6%   100.0%
*(60) How satisfied are you with the training you receive for your present job? Frequencies 358 1224 713 425 211   2931
Percentages 12.2% 41.8% 24.3% 14.5% 7.2%   100.0%
*(61) Considering everything, how satisfied are you with your job? Frequencies 689 1373 468 261 140   2931
Percentages 23.5% 46.8% 16.0% 8.9% 4.8%   100.0%
*(62) Considering everything, how satisfied are you with your pay? Frequencies 599 1434 429 338 131   2931
Percentages 20.4% 48.9% 14.6% 11.5% 4.5%   100.0%
(63) Considering everything, how satisfied are you with your organization? Frequencies 484 1337 599 335 176   2931
Percentages 16.5% 45.6% 20.4% 11.4% 6.0%   100.0%
(64) How satisfied are you with retirement benefits? Frequencies 560 1376 434 168 66 327 2931
Percentages 19.1% 46.9% 14.8% 5.7% 2.3% 11.2% 100.0%
(65) How satisfied are you with health insurance benefits? Frequencies 519 1472 381 261 96 202 2931
Percentages 17.7% 50.2% 13.0% 8.9% 3.3% 6.9% 100.0%
(66) How satisfied are you with life insurance benefits? Frequencies 467 1525 479 114 35 311 2931
Percentages 15.9% 52.0% 16.3% 3.9% 1.2% 10.6% 100.0%
(67) How satisfied are you with long term care insurance benefits? Frequencies 240 760 710 81 40 1100 2931
Percentages 8.2% 25.9% 24.2% 2.8% 1.4% 37.5% 100.0%
(68) How satisfied are you with the flexible spending account (FSA) program? Frequencies 325 680 733 47 21 1125 2931
Percentages 11.1% 23.2% 25.0% 1.6% 0.7% 38.4% 100.0%
(69) How satisfied are you with paid vacation time? Frequencies 1173 1476 180 86 16   2931
Percentages 40.0% 50.4% 6.1% 2.9% 0.5%   100.0%
(70) How satisfied are you with paid leave for illness (for example, personal), including family care situations? Frequencies 1109 1421 223 111 67   2931
Percentages 37.8% 48.5% 7.6% 3.8% 2.3%   100.0%
(71) How satisfied are you with child care subsidies? Frequencies 86 154 646 41 29 1975 2931
Percentages 2.9% 5.3% 22.0% 1.4% 1.0% 67.4% 100.0%
(72) How satisfied are you with work/life programs (for example, health and wellness, employee assistance, elder care, and support groups)? Frequencies 188 499 663 112 45 1424 2931
Percentages 6.4% 17.0% 22.6% 3.8% 1.5% 48.6% 100.0%
(73) How satisfied are you with telework/telecommuting? Frequencies 716 792 471 164 195 593 2931
Percentages 24.4% 27.0% 16.1% 5.6% 6.7% 20.2% 100.0%
(74) How satisfied are you with alternative work schedules? Frequencies 1094 988 301 87 67 394 2931
Percentages 37.3% 33.7% 10.3% 3.0% 2.3% 13.4% 100.0%

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Table 3 - Demographic Data
Category Number Percent
(75) Where do you work?    
Headquarters 1109 38%
Field 1822 62%
*(76) What is your supervisory status?    
Non-Supervisor 2,390 82%
Team Leader 220 8%
Supervisor 205 7%
Manager 77 3%
Executive 39 1%
*(77) Are you . . .    
Male 1,222 42%
Female 1,709 58%
*(78) Are you Hispanic or Latino?    
Yes 160 5%
No 2,771 95%
*(79) Are you . . .    
White 2,090 73%
Black or African-American 586 21%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander 16 1%
Asian 56 2%
American Indian or Alaska Native 12 0%
Two or more races 86 3%
(80) What is your age group?    
25 and under 92 3%
26-29 212 7%
30-39 482 16%
40-49 902 31%
50-59 996 34%
60 or older 247 8%
(81) What is your pay category/grade?    
Federal Wage System (for example, WB, WD, WG, WL, WM, WS, WY) 7 0%
GS 1-6 211 7%
GS 7-12 1859 63%
GS 13-15 810 28%
Senior Executive Service 33 1%
Senior Level (SL) or Scientific or Professional (ST) 1 0%
Other 10 0%
(82) How long have you been with the Federal Government (excluding military service)?    
Less than 1 year 159 5%
1 to 3 years 405 14%
4 to 5 years 193 7%
6 to 10 years 381 13%
11 to 20 years 604 21%
More than 20 years 1189 41%
(83) How long have you been with OPM?    
Less than 1 year 309 11%
1 to 3 years 1107 38%
4 to 5 years 238 8%
6 to 10 years 370 13%
11 to 20 years 375 13%
More than 20 years 532 18%
(84) Are you considering leaving your organization within the next year, and if so, why?    
No 2138 73%
Yes, to retire 166 6%
Yes, to take another job within the Federal Government 506 17%
Yes, to take another job outside the Federal Government 33 1%
Yes, other 88 3%
(85) I am planning to retire:    
Within one year 120 4%
Between one and three years 312 11%
Between three and five years 318 11%
Five or more years 2181 74%
*(86) Where do you work?    
Office of the Inspector General 63 2%
Office of the Chief Financial Officer 82 3%
Division for Human Capital Leadership and Merit System Accountability 150 5%
Division for HR Products and Services 646 22%
Management Services Division 197 7%
Federal Investigative Services Division 1598 55%
Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy 123 4%
All Other Components 70 2%

* Annual Employee Survey required items

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