In a newly released report, the MSPB examines the federal government’s progress toward achieving a representative workforce and treating all employees fairly. The assessment is based on an analysis of statistical data and federal employee perceptions of their experiences and treatment in the workplace.

The MSPB found that  progress has been made. First, the federal workforce has become more diverse, in keeping with the federal government’s commitment to recruit and retain a workforce from all segments of American society. Second, an increasing percentage of federal employees perceive that they are treated fairly, and a decreasing percentage believe that they have experienced discrimination on factors such as ethnicity/race, gender, and age.

Nevertheless, challenges remain. For example, the percentage of minorities at higher levels of pay and responsibility (such as General Schedule grades GS-14 and GS-15 and the Senior Executive Service) remains below their rate of employment at lower levels. In addition, may employees believe that personnel decisions are often based on factors other than merit, such as favoritism.

As Chairman Grundmann stated, “Fairness–and an engaged, high-performing workforce–require more than the absence of discrimination and prohibited personnel practices. It is essential for agencies to ensure that their HR policies and practices do not create barriers to merit-based selection, advancement, recognition, and retention. We also remind agencies that safeguards and employee protections are a critical component of decentralized, flexible HR systems.”

MSPB research also confirmed the importance of employee actions to achieving a representative, high-performing workforce. Data  from an MSPB survey on career advancement shows that applicants and employees can do much to improve their prospects for success on the job and for promotion. Federal employees reported that challenging work assignments, a good working relationship with a supportive supervisor, and formal education and on-the-job development could pay substantial dividends. Accordingly, the report includes recommendations for federal employees who seem advancement within the federal service.

http://www.mspb.gov/studies/browsestudies.htm

What do you think? What does your agency do (or what additional things do you think they should do) to ensure that all employees are treated fairly in the federal workplace?