The Best Performance Appraisal Advice I Ever Borrowed (Part II)
The author provides performance appraisal advice based on a document developed by the EPA for its managers.
The author provides performance appraisal advice based on a document developed by the EPA for its managers.
Most American companies have some type of pay for performance system. But pay for performance is unique in the federal government and has generated heated debate and intense opposition. With the average employee under the new system getting a raise that is twice as large as the rest of the federal workforce, it may not seem as threatening.
The vast majority of unfair labor practice allegations are filed by unions against agencies. Determining the winner or loser in these cases often depends on getting information and who has the power to get the information. Proposed changes to the regulations have generated a response from the largest federal employee union. Here is a summary and observations from an experienced labor relations professional who worked for several agencies.
Some readers are checking their TSP portfolio balance and they get upset. That is understandable as all of us prefer to see our investments go up. Before taking immediate action, take a deep breath and see how your investments have done over the past several years.
Several anonymous employees of the Social Security Administration sought to get more comp time from the agency by going to court. Their argument: We should get 1.5 hours of comp time for each hour worked just as we get 1.5 hours of overtime for each hour worked. The court disagrees.
Panic selling of stocks has gripped overseas markets. The TSP stock funds may take a big dip as the American stock markets open after the long weekend. Can your TSP stock funds fall further than they already have? Here is an historical point of reference.
If you are a federal employee and do not know your MRA (Minimum Retirement Age), you are probably in the CSRS system. There is a financial penalty for FERS retirees who leave government under the MRA +10 provision. Look before you leap!
Both supervisors and employees often dislike performance reviews. They take time, effort, paperwork and may involve conflict and confrontation. It is a task that often gets pushed aside or ignored. Here is practical advice on ways to improve a performance discussion for employees and supervisors.
Readers have been asking questions about the 2008 pay raise. Most of the questions boil down to “Why didn’t I get the 3.5% I am supposed to get in my check this year?” or “How come people in DC are getting more than I am getting when they already make more money?”
The value of your stock funds in the Thrift Savings Plan have gone down considerably so far in 2008. What financial decisions will you take as a result? Weigh the implications of your financial decisions whether you are still an active federal employee or if you are retired.