Human Resources

We Talk the Diversity Talk, But Does Your Agency Walk the Walk?

Most agencies have policies to facilitate diversity and sensitivity. Showing awareness or activism in this area may even be a part of your performance review. But be honest: do these policies really ensure that we walk the walk and truly embrace diversity in the workplace? Workplace diversity is a really fashionable topic these days. ItRead… Read more »

Are Private Contractors the New Federal Workforce?

Last Sunday was graduation day at Duke. In our Master of Public Policy program, over half of the graduating students are employed, and over half of those employed are going to work for government consulting firms. Their salaries are about 20% higher than those who are working in government jobs, and they have been impressedRead… Read more »

Are You Talking to Me? How to Get the Civil Service Reform Convo Started

Back in July of 2013 the president released his management agenda, which focused on three main goals: finding new ways to deliver government services more quickly and conveniently; cutting duplicative and unnecessary programs; and expanding the numbers and type of government data sets provided online. It was a powerful agenda, but now, almost a yearRead… Read more »

Pssst! Guess What – Most People Don’t Trust Government – Plus the 7 Gov Stories

On GovLoop Insights’ DorobekINSIDER: “You have to know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em and know when to walk away.” Kenny Roggers wasn’t just talking about love in his 1980 classic song “The Gambler” — he was also talking about poor performers. Insights from the Partnership for Public Service’s Tom Fox. YouRead… Read more »

Know When To Fold ‘Em, Know When To Walk Away

“You have to know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em and know when to walk away.” Kenny Roggers wasn’t just talking about love in his 1980 classic song “The Gambler” — he was also talking about poor performers. Poor performers can bring down an organization, cripple employee morale and thwart innovation. AndRead… Read more »

Can Innovation Labs Transform Public Sector Work Culture?

In case you missed it, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has brought a piece of Silicon Valley’s high-tech entrepreneurial spirit to Washington in the form of a new and exciting Innovation Lab. Since launching in March 2012, the Lab has been successfully utilized by employees from dozens of federal agencies ranging from NASARead… Read more »

USPS to Overhaul Retirements – Plus the 7 Gov Stories

On GovLoop Insights’ DorobekINSIDER: The government workforce is living in the time of World War II. The current general schedule classification and pay system was designed when Harry Truman was president. We talked with Jeff Neal to get some insights on what to do going forward. You can find all of our programs online: DorobekINSIDER.comRead… Read more »

Virtual Work/Telework — What Are the Prerequisites?

Many essays have been written about virtual and telework practices and application guides. Both the public/nonprofit and private sectors have numerous case histories with best practices about traditional telework or the newer virtual work concepts. You can download an abundance of policy manuals and consultant work products on where and how virtual work is applied.Read… Read more »

Is Gov Holding on to the Past? How to Get the Workforce of the Future!

The government workforce is living in the time of World War II. The current general schedule classification and pay system was designed when Harry Truman was president. The last major reform to the civil service was in 1979. It’s been more than 35 years since there were any adjustments. 35 years is a long time.Read… Read more »

4 Ways We Can Disrupt the Federal Hiring Process

As the Career Director for a Master of Public Policy (MPP) program, I have no shortage of students interested in government work. Despite reports to the contrary, there are young people interested in public service careers who simply cannot find the entry door. A recent brief from the Partnership for Public Service and the NationalRead… Read more »