The 2023 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS) was administered to OPM employees starting in May, ending July 14th.

The survey was provided to all non-political OPM employees onboard as of November of 2022.  Approximately 1,595 surveys were completed out of 2,587 administered, for a response rate of 61.65%, which was 1.89 percentage points lower than FY22’s response rate of 63.54%.

New content for the 2023 survey reflected performance dimensions, such as:  goal-orientation, agility, employee-focus, and foundation.  These dimensions are grouped themes made up of FEVS items, such as Agility: Innovation.

This survey is also used to address government priorities. Content aligned with the Executive Order on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) were included in the 2022 survey as a new DEIA index, continued with the 2023 DEIA Index.

OPM has reviewed the 2023 FEVS results in senior leadership meetings, provided all Associate Directors and Office Heads with their respective organization’s results, provided all direct supervisors with their work unit’s results if available, and shared high-level findings with the OPM employee workforce. 

OPM has implemented an agency-wide engagement plan based on the 2022 survey results as a baseline.  This plan focuses on the following areas: career development, performance recognition, workload management, and decision-making involvement and communications.  Program and Support office leadership have also created division engagement plans aligned to the agency plan.  Senior leaders are reviewing their 2023 results and updating these action plans to bolster strengths and assess challenge areas.

Summary of Results:

The highest percent positive items were the following:

• Q53: My supervisor holds me accountable for achieving results. 92.9%
• Q90: It is important to me that my work contribute to the common good. 92.2%
• Q11: I am held accountable for the quality of work I produce. 92.0%
• Q49: My supervisor supports my need to balance work and other life issues. 91.9%
• Q20: Employees in my work unit meet the needs of our customers. 91.6%

The highest percent negative items were the following:

• Q5: My workload is reasonable. 21.7%
• Q66: Management involves employees in decisions that affect their work. 21.2%
• Q41: The approval process in my organization allows timely delivery of my work. 19.9%
• Q57: In my organization, senior leaders generate high levels of motivation and commitment in the workforce. 19.1%
• Q17: In my work unit, differences in performance are recognized in a meaningful way. 18.5%

The largest increases in percent positive since 2022 were:

• Q25: I can influence decisions in my work unit. 72% (+9%)
• Q43: My organization has prepared me for potential physical security threats. 75% (+8%)
• Q36: Employees are protected from health and safety hazards on the job. 83% (+8%)
• Q47: I believe the results of this survey will be used to make my agency a better place to work. 61% (+8%)
• Q58: My organization's senior leaders maintain high standards of honesty and integrity. 72% (+7%)

The largest increases in percent negative since 2022 were:

• Q84: My organization responds to my accessibility needs in a timely manner. 10% (+1%)
• Q23: Employees in my work unit adapt to changing priorities. 4% (+.09%)
• Q62: I have a high level of respect for my organization's senior leaders. 11% (+.04%)
• Q42: My organization effectively adapts to changing government priorities. 9% (+.05%)
• Q85: My organization meets my accessibility needs? 8% (+.02%)

Engagement Index Score: 80%

• 72% Leaders Lead
• 88% Supervisors
• 79% Intrinsic Work Experience

Global Satisfaction: 74%

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Index Overall: 78%

• 81% Diversity
• 74% Equity
• 80% Inclusion
• 76% Accessibility

2023 FEVS Item Results

Item	Item Text	Percent Positive	Percent Neutral	Percent Negative
1	I am given a real opportunity to improve my skills in my organization.	76.0%	12.0%	12.0%
2	I feel encouraged to come up with new and better ways of doing things.	72.8%	13.3%	13.9%
3	My work gives me a feeling of personal accomplishment.	79.3%	11.7%	9.0%
4	I know what is expected of me on the job.	85.1%	8.4%	6.5%
5	My workload is reasonable.	63.3%	15.0%	21.7%
6	My talents are used well in the workplace.	69.1%	15.5%	15.4%
7	I know how my work relates to the agency's goals.	89.8%	6.7%	3.5%
8	I can disclose a suspected violation of any law, rule, or regulation without fear of reprisal.	75.9%	13.3%	10.8%
9	I have enough information to do my job well.	75.3%	13.7%	11.0%
10	I receive the training I need to do my job well.	71.5%	17.0%	11.5%
11	I am held accountable for the quality of work I produce.	92.0%	5.4%	2.6%
12	I have a clear idea of how well I am doing my job.	85.0%	9.0%	6.0%
13	I have the autonomy to decide how I do my job.	77.0%	13.1%	10.0%
14	I can make decisions about my work without getting permission first.	70.6%	16.8%	12.6%
15	The people I work with cooperate to get the job done.	86.8%	7.6%	5.7%
17	In my work unit, differences in performance are recognized in a meaningful way.	55.6%	25.9%	18.5%
18	Employees in my work unit share job knowledge.	86.7%	7.1%	6.1%
19	My work unit has the job-relevant knowledge and skills necessary to accomplish organizational goals.	83.6%	9.9%	6.5%
20	Employees in my work unit meet the needs of our customers.	91.6%	7.2%	1.2%
21	Employees in my work unit contribute positively to my agency's performance.	90.9%	7.7%	1.4%
22	Employees in my work unit produce high-quality work.	90.0%	8.6%	1.5%
23	Employees in my work unit adapt to changing priorities.	86.8%	9.7%	3.5%
24	New hires in my work unit (i.e. hired in the past year) have the right skills to do their jobs.	70.8%	19.6%	9.6%
25	I can influence decisions in my work unit.	72.1%	16.5%	11.4%
26	I know what my work unit's goals are.	88.2%	6.6%	5.2%
27	My work unit commits resources to develop new ideas (e.g., budget, staff, time, expert support).	62.9%	20.2%	17.0%
28	My work unit successfully manages disruptions to our work.	75.9%	14.6%	9.5%
29	Employees in my work unit consistently look for new ways to improve how they do their work.	76.8%	15.3%	7.9%
30	Employees in my work unit incorporate new ideas into their work.	75.4%	17.1%	7.5%
31	Employees in my work unit approach change as an opportunity.	68.2%	21.5%	10.3%
32	Employees in my work unit consider customer needs a top priority.	87.7%	8.9%	3.3%
33	Employees in my work unit consistently look for ways to improve customer service.	77.6%	16.3%	6.1%
34	Employees in my work unit support my need to balance my work and personal responsibilities.	83.5%	9.9%	6.5%
35	Employees are recognized for providing high quality products and services.	73.2%	13.7%	13.1%
36	Employees are protected from health and safety hazards on the job.	83.1%	10.4%	6.5%
37	My organization is successful at accomplishing its mission.	83.1%	11.4%	5.5%
38	I have a good understanding of my organization's priorities.	83.2%	10.5%	6.2%
39	My organization shares results (for example, town halls, email, distribution of reports) from the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS).	88.4%	7.2%	4.4%
40	Information is openly shared in my organization.	67.4%	18.0%	14.5%
41	The approval process in my organization allows timely delivery of my work.	60.2%	19.9%	19.9%
42	My organization effectively adapts to changing government priorities.	76.1%	15.4%	8.6%
43	My organization has prepared me for potential physical security threats.	74.7%	17.9%	7.5%
44	My organization has prepared me for potential cybersecurity threats.	90.9%	6.6%	2.5%
45	In my organization, arbitrary action, personal favoritism and/or political coercion are not tolerated.	61.1%	20.9%	18.0%
46	I recommend my organization as a good place to work.	77.1%	12.7%	10.2%
47	I believe the results of this survey will be used to make my agency a better place to work.	60.6%	21.2%	18.2%
48	Supervisors in my work unit support employee development.	86.5%	7.4%	6.1%
49	My supervisor supports my need to balance work and other life issues.	91.9%	4.5%	3.5%
50	My supervisor listens to what I have to say.	89.9%	4.9%	5.1%
51	My supervisor treats me with respect.	91.2%	4.6%	4.2%
52	I have trust and confidence in my supervisor.	83.8%	8.4%	7.8%
53	My supervisor holds me accountable for achieving results.	92.9%	5.4%	1.7%
54	Overall, how good a job do you feel is being done by your immediate supervisor?	86.1%	8.6%	5.4%
55	My supervisor provides me with constructive suggestions to improve my job performance.	81.7%	10.9%	7.4%
56	My supervisor provides me with performance feedback throughout the year.	86.8%	7.5%	5.8%
57	In my organization, senior leaders generate high levels of motivation and commitment in the workforce.	61.9%	19.1%	19.1%
58	My organization's senior leaders maintain high standards of honesty and integrity.	71.8%	16.4%	11.8%
59	Managers communicate the goals of the organization.	76.8%	13.6%	9.6%
60	Managers promote communication among different work units (for example, about projects, goals, needed resources).	69.5%	16.7%	13.8%
61	Overall, how good a job do you feel is being done by the manager directly above your immediate supervisor?	77.6%	13.9%	8.4%
62	I have a high level of respect for my organization's senior leaders.	73.8%	14.8%	11.4%
63	Senior leaders demonstrate support for Work-Life programs.	77.9%	14.0%	8.1%
64	Management encourages innovation.	70.4%	18.0%	11.6%
65	Management makes effective changes to address challenges facing our organization.	67.8%	18.2%	14.0%
66	Management involves employees in decisions that affect their work.	58.1%	20.7%	21.2%
67	How satisfied are you with your involvement in decisions that affect your work?	62.5%	20.0%	17.5%
68	How satisfied are you with the information you receive from management on what's going on in your organization?	67.0%	19.2%	13.8%
69	How satisfied are you with the recognition you receive for doing a good job?	67.7%	18.3%	14.0%
70	Considering everything, how satisfied are you with your job?	76.1%	12.5%	11.4%
71	Considering everything, how satisfied are you with your pay?	68.6%	15.2%	16.2%
72	Considering everything, how satisfied are you with your organization?	73.4%	14.3%	12.3%
73	My organization's management practices promote diversity (e.g., outreach, recruitment, promotion opportunities).	78.6%	15.3%	6.1%
74	My supervisor demonstrates a commitment to workforce diversity (e.g., recruitment, promotion opportunities, development).	82.4%	12.8%	4.9%
75	I have similar access to advancement opportunities (e.g., promotion, career development, training) as others in my work unit.	73.0%	13.7%	13.4%
76	My supervisor provides opportunities fairly to all employees in my work unit (e.g., promotions, work assignments).	77.3%	12.7%	10.0%
77	In my work unit, excellent work is similarly recognized for all employees (e.g., awards, acknowledgements).	72.6%	14.1%	13.2%
78	Employees in my work unit make me feel I belong.	82.1%	12.0%	5.9%
79	Employees in my work unit care about me as a person.	81.1%	13.6%	5.3%
80	I am comfortable expressing opinions that are different from other employees in my work unit.	78.6%	11.3%	10.0%
81	In my work unit, people's differences are respected.	80.0%	13.1%	6.9%
82	I can be successful in my organization being myself.	80.0%	11.9%	8.0%
83	I can easily make a request of my organization to meet my accessibility needs.	78.2%	14.2%	7.6%
84	My organization responds to my accessibility needs in a timely manner.	73.3%	17.2%	9.5%
85	My organization meets my accessibility needs.	75.6%	16.9%	7.5%
86	My job inspires me.	67.7%	18.9%	13.4%
87	The work I do gives me a sense of accomplishment.	79.0%	12.4%	8.6%
88	I feel a strong personal attachment to my organization.	64.7%	21.2%	14.1%
89	I identify with the mission of my organization.	80.3%	14.8%	4.8%
90	It is important to me that my work contribute to the common good.	92.2%	6.4%	1.3%

16. In my work unit, poor performers usually (select all that apply)

Response Options	Responses	Percentage
Remain in the work unit and improve their performance over time	307	19.8%
Remain in the work unit and continue to underperform	415	27.6%
Leave the work unit - removed or transferred	174	10.8%
Leave the work unit - quit	95	5.6%
There are no poor performers in my work unit	397	22.7%
Do Not Know	424	27.9%

Demographics

Where do you work?

Response Options	Percentage
Headquarters	42.4%
Field	13.6%
Full-time telework (e.g., home office, telecenter)	44.0%
Total	100.0%

What is your supervisory status?

Response Options	Percentage
Senior Leader	2.9%
Manager	5.6%
Supervisor	12.1%
Team Leader	11.1%
Non-Supervisor	68.3%
Total	100.0%

What is your pay category/grade?

Response Options	Percentage
Federal Wage System (for example, WB, WD, WG, WL, WM, WS, WY)	0.1%
GS 1-6	4.0%
GS 7-12	30.2%
GS 13-15	62.0%
Senior Executive Service	2.8%
Senior Level (SL) or Scientific or Professional (ST)	0.2%
Other	0.6%
Total	100.0%

What is your US military service status?

Response Options	Percentage
No Prior Military Service	81.1%
Currently in National Guard or Reserves	0.9%
Retired	6.4%
Separated or Discharged	11.6%
Total	100.0%

Are you:

Response Options	Percentage
The spouse of a current active duty service member of the U.S. Armed Forces	1.6%
The spouse of a service member who retired or separated from active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces with a disability rating of 100 percent	2.0%
The widow(er) of a service member killed while on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces	0.1%
None of the categories listed	96.4%
Total	100.0%

If the response to the previous question on if you are a military spouse was "None of the categories listed," this item was skipped.

Have you been hired under the Military Spouse Non-Competitive Hiring Authority?

Response Options	Percentage
Yes	9.3%
No	90.7%
Total	100.0%

How long have you been with the Federal Government (excluding military service)?

Response Options	Percentage
Less than 1 year	3.1%
1 to 3 years	9.8%
4 to 5 years	8.1%
6 to 10 years	14.9%
11 to 14 years	19.4%
15 to 20 years	17.7%
More than 20 years	27.0%
Total	100.0%

How long have you been with your current agency (for example, Department of Justice, Environmental Protection Agency)?

Response Options	Percentage
Less than 1 year	7.0%
1 to 3 years	22.3%
4 to 5 years	9.1%
6 to 10 years	16.5%
11 to 14 years	17.6%
15 to 20 years	10.8%
More than 20 years	16.8%
Total	100.0%

Are you considering leaving your organization within the next year, and if so, why?

Response Options	Percentage
No	71.8%
Yes, to retire	5.6%
Yes, to take another job within the Federal Government	17.6%
Yes, to take another job outside the Federal Government	1.5%
Yes, other	3.5%
Total	100.0%

I am planning to retire:

Response Options	Percentage
Less than 1 year	2.2%
1 year	2.6%
2 years	5.4%
3 years	4.4%
4 years	3.6%
5 years	6.7%
More than 5 years	75.1%
Total	100.0%

Personal Demographics

Are you of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin?

Response Options	Percentage
Yes	7.3%
No	92.7%
Total	100.0%

Please select the racial category or categories with which you most closely identify.

Response Options	Percentage
White	62.0%
Black or African American	26.8%
All other races	11.2%
Total	100.0%

What is your age group?

Response Options	Percentage
29 years and under	4.0%
30-39 years old	21.6%
40-49 years old	28.8%
50-59 years old	29.8%
60 years or older	15.8%
Total	100.0%

What is the highest degree or level of education you have completed?

Response Options	Percentage
Less than High School/ High School Diploma/ GED	4.2%
Certification/ Some College/ Associate's Degree	18.5%
Bachelor's Degree	33.0%
Advanced Degrees (Post Bachelor's Degree)	44.3%
Total	100.0%

Are you an individual with a disability?

Response Options	Percentage
Yes	16.5%
No	83.5%
Total	100.0%

Are you:

Response Options	Percentage
Male	38.4%
Female	61.6%
Total	100.0%

Are you transgender?

Response Options	Percentage
Yes	0.6%
No	99.4%
Total	100.0%

Which one of the following best represents how you think of yourself?

Response Options	Percentage
Straight, that is not gay or lesbian	92.7%
Gay or Lesbian	2.5%
Bisexual	2.0%
I use a different term	2.7%
Total	100.0%

Agency-Specific Items

1. OPM senior leaders encourage collaborative decision making that incorporates the needs of program offices outside of their own.

Response Options	Number	Percentage
Strongly Agree	385	27.7%
Agree	493	37.7%
Neither Agree nor Disagree	250	20.9%
Disagree	88	6.8%
Strongly Disagree	85	6.8%
No Basis to Judge	260	–b
Total	1,561	100.0%

2. I have sufficient resources (for example, people, materials, budget) to get my job done.

Response Options	Number	Percentage
Strongly Agree	362	22.3%
Agree	585	38.4%
Neither Agree nor Disagree	209	14.5%
Disagree	238	15.3%
Strongly Disagree	147	9.5%
No Basis to Judge	21	–b
Total	1,562	100.0%

3. My team’s current work schedules (i.e., telework arrangements and scheduled days/hours) allow us to work productively.

Response Options	Number	Percentage
Strongly Agree	920	55.7%
Agree	505	35.1%
Neither Agree nor Disagree	70	5.1%
Disagree	32	2.4%
Strongly Disagree	21	1.6%
No Basis to Judge	12	–b
Total	1,560	100.0%

4. Considering everything, how satisfied are you with your current work schedule (i.e., telework arrangement and scheduled days/hours)?

Response Options	Number	Percentage
Very Satisfied	1,040	62.7%
Satisfied	387	26.9%
Neither Satisfied or Dissatisfied	65	4.7%
Dissatisfied	48	3.9%
Very Dissatisfied	23	1.8%
Total	1,563	100.0%

5. I have the resources and tools (technology, equipment, meeting space, etc.) I need to effectively work in a hybrid environment.

Response Options	Number	Percentage
Strongly Agree	902	58.4%
Agree	437	30.8%
Neither Agree nor Disagree	80	5.8%
Disagree	51	3.6%
Strongly Disagree	23	1.5%
N/A, I do not need hybrid work resources and tools (for example, because you and your entire unit is fully remote)	70	–b
Total	1,563	100.0%

6. I know the steps to take at OPM if I am feeling unsafe (e.g. due to harassment or hostile work environment).

Response Options	Number	Percentage
Strongly Agree	531	36.3%
Agree	598	43.3%
Neither Agree nor Disagree	140	10.0%
Disagree	94	6.4%
Strongly Disagree	57	3.9%
No Basis to Judge	136	–b
Total	1,556	100.0%

7. I know the steps I should take at OPM if I need reasonable accommodation for a disability.

Response Options	Number	Percentage
Strongly Agree	493	37.0%
Agree	549	43.3%
Neither Agree nor Disagree	141	10.8%
Disagree	85	6.4%
Strongly Disagree	32	2.4%
No Basis to Judge	258	–b
Total	1,558	100.0%