U.S. Office of Personnel Management - Ensuring the Federal Government has an effective civilian workforce

For the third time we have asked Federal employees to tell us how well their agencies are meeting President George W. Bush's call to improve the strategic management of human capital in accomplishing their missions. The 2006 Federal Human Capital Survey results provide valuable insight into the challenges agency leaders face in ensuring the Federal Government has an effective civilian workforce and how well they are responding.

In 2006, more than 220,000 people expressed their views. This survey report provides comparison data across three surveys - 2002, 2004, and 2006. Generally, in many areas, past improvements have been sustained. However, we also continue to find areas - especially with respect to how good or poor performance is treated - where a lack of substantial improvement remains a concern.

As we experience a retirement wave among Federal employees, agencies must retain critical knowledge and skills while attracting new talent. The 2006 survey results confirm the Federal Government offers work experiences many employees value. Federal employees believe their work is important, they know what needs to be done, and they believe the Federal workforce has the skills needed to meet the mission. These factors make a critical difference in whether employees want to come, to stay, and to contribute to their full potential.

As many senior leaders retire, the Federal Government also faces a challenge - and opportunity - to improve the effectiveness of the leadership corps across Government. We must develop the kinds of leaders who can ensure a talented and committed Federal workforce now and in the future. Our leaders will need to adapt the workplaces and opportunities they offer to attract the best and the brightest from diverse talent pools. At the same time, they must take steps to retain the knowledge and skills of current Federal employees.

The Federal Human Capital Survey will continue to be an essential tool to support these efforts, and OPM will work closely with each agency to meet these challenges.