Oversight

Lack of linguists hampers government's mission, officials say

Federal agencies struggle to fill in the gaps in language skills.

Pay & Benefits

Thrift Savings Plan budget to remain flat in 2011

The retirement program must reconsider services to keep costs in check, board says.

Oversight

Hiring reform requires team effort, observers say

Managers and human resources staff must work together on planning, recruiting and retention.

Pay & Benefits

No COLAs for federal retirees in 2011

Social Security Administration nixes cost-of-living adjustment.

Pay & Benefits

Benefits Boost

Take our quiz to see if the new health benefits apply to you.

Oversight

Senior executives see smaller pay raises

Lower salary adjustments and fewer performance awards could limit interest in SES careers, observer says.

Oversight

Poll: Americans believe government is too large

Survey respondents suggest firing elected officials and reducing spending.

Defense

Employees wring hands over Homeland Security consolidation

Department faces pushback on campus amenities and transportation.

Oversight

GAO: Federal background checks can be risky business

Investigators could allow personal information to slip through the cracks, audit finds.

Pay & Benefits

Postal Windfall

Legislative changes could free up $142.4 billion for USPS to spend partly on employee benefits.

Pay & Benefits

Dental, vision insurance premiums to rise in 2011

Plans will include minimal changes, OPM says.

Pay & Benefits

Telework is about to take off, officials say

Now more than ever government recognizes the value of working outside the office, agency leaders note.

Oversight

FEHBP database raises privacy concerns

Observers say OPM’s new tool leaves sensitive patient information vulnerable to attack.

Pay & Benefits

Agencies launch Bikeshare program

Washington-area federal workers can share bicycles for commuting and wellness initiatives.

Oversight

Watchdog: OSHA whistleblower protection program still falls short

Agency responsible for examining complaints from private sector workers fails to provide comprehensive investigator training.

Trends

Culture Shock

Federal agencies struggle to fill in the gaps in language skills.

Pay & Benefits

Feds’ health insurance premiums to increase 7.2 percent

Growth attributed to market changes and new plan features, such as tobacco cessation incentives and expanded dependent care coverage.

Oversight

USPS ends year with $6 billion loss

Officials continue to push workforce flexibility and reduced delivery to restore agency to financial health.

Pay & Benefits

Paring the Payroll

Congress considers multiple proposals to limit federal hiring and employee benefits.

Pay & Benefits

Senate passes bill boosting telework

Compromise legislation must pass the House before being sent to President Obama.