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Employee Relations

Stay informed on employee relations issues affecting federal employees, including workplace conduct rules, performance management, disciplinary actions, adverse actions, and HR policies that shape day‑to‑day federal employment. Explore updates on OPM guidance, MSPB decisions, labor‑management disputes, probationary employee rules, and best practices for handling workplace conflicts. Find clear explanations and timely analysis to help federal employees and supervisors understand the policies, rights, and procedures that govern employee relations across federal agencies.

Layers of Problems Drive Morale Issues at the Department of Homeland Security

By Jeff NealJan 21, 2020 10:37 AM Categories Agency News Leave a comment
Businessman holding a poster board in front of his face with a sad face drawn on it

What drives morale in an agency? The author analyzes the situation at DHS.

Weathering the Storm of 360 Feedback

By Martha WilsonNov 20, 2019 10:27 AM | Updated: Jun 5, 2020 11:36 AM Categories Leadership Leave a comment
Person's hand writing '360 feedback' on a black surface next to a round yellow arrow going in a circular direction

Are you using 360 feedback constructively? The author explains a better way to utilize it.

OPM Proposes Changes to Federal Employee Removal Process

FedSmith.com author Ralph R. SmithBy Ralph R. SmithSep 17, 2019 2:15 PM | Updated: Feb 21, 2020 12:28 PM Categories Human Resources Leave a comment
Businessman leaving his office after termination of employment

OPM has issued a proposed rule to enable faster removal of federal employees in different situations.

Reprimands in the 21st Century

FedSmith.com author Robbie KunreutherBy Robbie KunreutherSep 9, 2019 11:17 AM | Updated: Sep 20, 2019 12:16 PM Categories Human Resources Leave a comment
Female supervisor sits across the desk from an employee holding a sheet of paper as she talks to him during a discipline/counseling session

Reprimands are as old as federal HR itself. The author proposes some changes that could bring the disciplinary process into the 21st century.

Can the Civil Service Be Broken?

By Jeff NealSep 3, 2019 8:17 AM | Updated: Sep 16, 2019 2:21 PM Categories Human Resources Leave a comment
Image of a giant boss' foot about to stomp on a tiny sized employee/businessman as he begs for mercy

Recent events beg the question of whether or not the civil service can be broken. The author provides a detailed analysis.

Show Me the Money

FedSmith.com author Robbie KunreutherBy Robbie KunreutherMay 14, 2019 2:32 PM | Updated: May 24, 2019 4:48 PM Categories Human Resources Leave a comment
Close up of a businessman's outstretched hand holding a spread of $100 bills

How much do disciplinary procedures cost the government? The author explores the question.

Soft Skills Are Harder Than They Seem

By Jeff NealApr 30, 2019 3:48 PM | Updated: May 8, 2019 11:03 AM Categories Human Resources, Leadership Leave a comment
Words 'soft skills' written on a whiteboard sitting on the back of an office desk with pencils and notepad in front of it

The author says that federal HR managers often focus more on technical skills rather than soft skills when hiring which is a mistake.

Why I (Still) Work Here

By Donald F. McCormackApr 29, 2019 10:23 AM | Updated: May 7, 2019 10:13 AM Categories Human Resources Leave a comment
Close up of the hands of a group of four employees giving a thumbs up sign depicting high morale, team building, and happy employees

The author recounts his love for his federal career while also addressing challenges that federal employees face.

Report Highlights Link Between Employee Engagement and Patient Care at VA Facilities

FedSmith.com author Ian SmithBy Ian SmithMar 25, 2019 8:33 AM | Updated: Apr 4, 2019 10:28 AM Categories Human Resources Leave a comment

A new analysis of data at VA medical centers finds that there is a direct link between employee morale and the quality of patient care.

Ensuring Accuracy of Federal Employee Personnel Files

FedSmith.com author Ralph R. SmithBy Ralph R. SmithOct 12, 2018 1:40 PM | Updated: Oct 20, 2018 1:11 PM Categories Human Resources Leave a comment
Close up of the files and clipboards held by two managers sitting on one side of a conference room table interviewing a businesswoman job candidate on the opposite side

OPM has issued guidance for agencies on maintaining accurate personnel files consistent with the requirements of an Executive Order issued in May.

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