OPM’s Retirement Modernization Process Achieves Important Milestones
As the OPM retirement backlog slowly ticked down in April, efforts to modernize the retirement processing system are moving along quickly.
OPM
Stay updated with the latest OPM updates, including new OPM guidance, federal workforce policies, hiring and staffing rules, telework and workplace regulations, and major actions affecting federal employees and agencies. Get the latest news on OPM regulations, HR policy changes, pay and benefits guidance, retirement‑related updates, and government‑wide initiatives shaping federal workforce management. Find clear summaries and analysis to help federal employees, HR professionals, and agency leaders understand how OPM decisions impact the federal workplace.
Proposal Restructuring Senior Executive Service Performance Rating System
Are performance ratings for Senior Executive Service members too high? OPM says they are and is proposing a forced distribution system to correct it.
OPM Implementing Significant Changes in Probationary Period
A new Executive Order and OPM guidance on the probationary period of federal employees will make it even easier to terminate these employees.
“Draining the Swamp”: Schedule F is Back and Moving Forward
OPM is publishing a proposed rule to create a Schedule Policy/Career classification (Schedule F) for some federal employees, making it easier to fire them.
The Future of Federal Retirement? OPM’s Breakthrough in Digital Processing
The OPM retirement backlog improved considerably in March, and the agency may be on the verge of finally modernizing its retirement application process.
New Buyout Offers on the Table for Federal Employees
Some agencies have made new buyout offers to their employees to voluntarily reduce the size of their workforces before widespread RIFs begin.
OPM Retirement Backlog Slashed by 12% in February
After a 68% increase to start 2025, the OPM retirement backlog reversed course in February.
Trump Issues Executive Order on Delegation of Authority on Suitability of Federal Employees
A new executive order increases OPM’s authority in suitability decisions. Here is a summary of events impacting attempts to restructure the federal bureaucracy.
Federal Labor Relations: Cost of Collective Bargaining in the Federal Government
How much does the federal government spend on its labor relations program? No one knows or has cared to find out. We will find the answer based on a new OPM directive.
The Trump Administration and Probationary Periods
OPM and MSPB guidelines leave the author to question if blanket terminations or probationary federal employees meet legal criteria.
