On October 17, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) released the 2024 OPM Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS) results. The annual survey takes a snapshot of federal workforce opinions and is often noted in how policies affecting feds are received. The 2024 results show “steady improvement in nearly all areas and the highest-ever Employee Engagement Index (EEI) Score since OPM began tracking the metric in 2010,” according to OPM. The EEI tracks perception of leadership, supervisors, and intrinsic work experience, and was 74 out of 100 for 2024, a full percentage point higher than 2023.

The response rate to this year’s FEVS survey grew to 41 percent, up from a 39 percent response in 2023.

For the full collection of data, see the OPM FEVS dashboard. This tool offers a clear way to view governmentwide data collected and trends over the past five years. You can also view information on the OPM FEVS methods, including data weighting and analysis in the OPM FEVS Technical Report.

When asked questions about their supervisor, data from this year’s FEVS results include:

•   87 percent of overall respondents said their supervisor treats them with respect.

•   78 percent reported that they have trust and confidence in their supervisor.

•   79 percent said their supervisor supports employee development.

Management-specific questions?

Future iterations of the FEVS may include questions specific to managers’ attitudes and opinions if FMA-supported legislation passes. In September, the House Oversight and Accountability Committee advanced a bill, The MANAGER Act (H.R. 9593), that would require the FEVS to include questions specific to management. The bill, endorsed by FMA, is sponsored by Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce.

In a statement upon passage, Sessions said, "Efficiency in government agencies is essential for taxpayers and government employees alike. I am committed to creating and supporting legislation that eliminates waste in our government to protect taxpayers. Federal managers are responsible for getting results to the American people. This survey will identify areas where federal employees in supervisory positions need support to ensure that our government is working effectively for our citizens."

During the hearing full committee Chairman James Comer noted the FEVS does not include specific questions for supervisors “so the unique views of managers is unaccounted for.” However, as evidenced by the close vote to advance, Committee Democrats expressed concern with the legislation as drafted.

“It’s unclear whether the intent of the proposed legislation is to require a new managerial section to the existing Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey, or to require a standalone annual survey of managers,” said Ranking Member Jamie Raskin (D-MD). “This basic ambiguity suggests the survey was not designed with practical application in mind. Moreover, the bill prescribes specific questions that are hyper-focused on the punitive responsibilities of senior managers.”

Sessions expressed a willingness to work with Democrats on revising specific questions, but doubled down on the overall mission of an annual survey of federal managers.

For our part, FMA strongly supports the goal of an annual survey of federal managers and is also open to modifying the phrasing and layout of specific questions in that survey. In a letter of endorsement, FMA National President Craig Carter wrote, “FMA is proud to support this effort to add questions specifically related to management in the workforce to the annual Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS) . . . The FEVS is a vital resource that helps gauge engagement, morale, and other feedback from employees in the federal government. Results from the tool help shape policies that impact millions of civil servants. It is therefore equally important to gather the feedback and viewpoints of manager-specific topics and issues, including the option for narrative responses. Hearing from managers and supervisors about possible management challenges would paint a fuller picture and enable lawmakers and agencies to make more informed decisions.”

Carter expressed flexibility with modifying the phrasing of the specific questions posed as the bill goes through the legislative process. “However, it is critical and overdue for an annual survey to include manager-specific questions for managers across the federal workforce,” Carter wrote. “We look forward to working with you, your staff, and legislators on both sides of the aisle to advance this bill and hear the voices of supervisors and managers.”