USASOC aims to top response rate of 2017 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey

United States Army Special Operations Command
Story by Staff Sgt. Eli Velazquez

Date: 09.11.2018
Posted: 09.11.2018 13:24
News ID: 292230

USASOC aims to top response rate of 2017 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey

By Staff Sgt. Eli Velazquez
USASOC Public Affairs

FORT BRAGG, N.C. – U.S. Army Special Operations Command is leading the way in participation numbers in this year’s Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey. Federal employees have the opportunity to greatly impact their work organization, but this year’s deadline to fill out the FEVS is running out.

With a 2018 goal of 50 percent participation Army wide, USASOC is ahead of big Army by 2 percent, currently sitting at 15 percent for the month of May according to the USASOC Civilian Human Resources Division (CHRD). The 6-week survey window closes June 12, so time is of the essence for permanent employees as of October 2017 to fill out their survey.

The FEVS results provide information to managers at lower levels in regards to their employee’ perception in critical areas, including work experience, the agency, and their leadership. This feedback gives agency leaders greater insight into areas that need improvements and helps them to track the improvements that have already been made.

The ability to have this type of insight allows agencies such as USASOC to promote the development of a healthy and enjoyable work environment. So much so that The Partnership for Public Service recently released the 2017 Best Places to Work in the Federal Government report, ranking USASOC number two on the list for the last three years in a row.

“This year everyone receives a survey due to the census, only the completed surveys will count towards the participation rate,” said Dr. Milicia Johnson, lead human resources specialist USASOC’s CHRD. Last year’s participation percentage of 41.3 percent overall was a stark contrast when compared to the 2016 over all participation percentage of 25.5 percent.

“Effective communication is important because it builds trust, increases employee engagement, and enhances effectiveness as supervisors. Building a culture of trust is what makes a meaningful difference,” Johnson said.

Johnson also added that employees in high-trust organizations are more productive, have more energy at work, collaborate better with their colleagues, and stay with their employers longer.