2021 FEDERAL EMPLOYEE 

VIEWPOINT SURVEY 

SUMMARY & RESULTS
1

Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation

Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey 2021

1

The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) seeks feedback from employees every year through the Federal 

Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS). Administered by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the survey measures 

how employees feel about their work environment, leadership, work/life balance, and other aspects of the agency. 

While the FEVS is usually administered in the spring for 6 weeks, at OPM’s direction the 2021 FEVS was administered for 

5 weeks from November 1 through December 3, 2021. The agency’s response rate was 66%, down from 73% of 

employees who completed the survey in 2020. The overall response rate government-wide was down from 44% in 2020 

to 34% in 2021.

The results show how PBGC employees rated employee engagement and overall satisfaction. PBGC’s Employee 

Engagement Index score, which measures areas including employee development, is 84%, the score for this index has 

remained the same from previous year. The agency’s Global Satisfaction Index score, which measures employee 

satisfaction with their jobs, pay, and organization, is 82% which also remained the same. 

The 2021 FEVS results will help the agency in its efforts towards a model work environment that supports effective 

human capital practices. PBGC values employees and recognizes the importance of providing a work environment that is 

safe, conducive to professional growth, and an overall great place to work. 

The OPM results are included. Results included in this document include core survey responses, satisfaction results, 

telework results, and pandemic results.

2

1 The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) requires agencies to conduct an annual survey of their employees.

2 Below is a compilation of the 2021 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS) questions and responses. This summary displays responses by 

Positive, Neutral, Negative, and where applicable, Do Not Know or No Basis to Judge. For example, Positive represents responses of Strongly Agree 

and Agree and Very Satisfied and Satisfied. Neutral represents responses of Neither Agree nor Disagree and Neither Satisfied nor Dissatisfied. 

Negative represents responses of Disagree and Strongly Disagree and Dissatisfied and Very Dissatisfied. * Denotes additional section added by the 

OPM (Pandemic); The sum of percentages may not add to 100 due to rounding.

My Work Experiences

1. I am given a real opportunity to improve my skills in 

my organization.

Positive Neutral Negative

2021 FedView Results 85% 8% 7%

2. I feel encouraged to come up with new and better 

ways of doing things. 

Positive Neutral Negative

2021 FedView Results 80% 11% 9%

3. My work gives me a feeling of personal 

accomplishment. 

Positive Neutral Negative

2021 FedView Results 85% 8% 7%
2

4. I know what is expected of me on the job. Positive Neutral Negative

2021 FedView Results 91% 5% 4%

5. My workload is reasonable. Positive Neutral Negative

2021 FedView Results 79% 11% 11%

6. My talents are used well in the workplace. Positive Neutral Negative

2021 FedView Results 79% 10% 11%

7. I know how my work relates to the agency's goals. Positive Neutral Negative

2021 FedView Results 96% 3% 1%

8. I can disclose a suspected violation of any law, rule, or 

regulation without fear of reprisal.

Positive Neutral Negative

2021 FedView Results 78% 13% 8%

My Work Unit

9. The people I work with cooperate to get the job done. Positive Neutral Negative

2021 FedView Results 92% 5% 4%

10. In my work unit, steps are taken to deal with a poor 

performer who cannot or will not improve. 

2021 FedView Results

Positive

58%

Neutral

24%

Negative

18%

11. In my work unit poor performers usually:

Remain in the work unit and improve their performance 

over time

24%

Remain in the work unit and continue to underperform 60%

Leave the work unit - removed or transferred 33%

Leave the work unit - quit 5%

There are no poor performers in my work unit

Do Not Know

 .5%

 .9%

29%

8%

3%

36%

-
3

-

12. In my work unit, differences in performance are 

recognized in a meaningful way. 

Positive Neutral Negative

2021 FedView Results 63% 21 % 16%

13. My work unit has the job-relevant knowledge and 

skills necessary to accomplish organizational goals.

Positive Neutral Negative

2021 FedView Results 91% 5% 3%

My Agency

14. Employees in my work unit meet the needs of our 

customers. 

Positive Neutral Negative

2021 FedView Results 96% 4% 0%

15. Employees in my work unit contribute positively to 

my agency’s performance. 

Positive Neutral Negative

2021 FedView Results 96% 4% 1%

16. Employees in my work unit produce high-quality 

work. 

Positive Neutral Negative

2021 FedView Results 92% 6% 1%

17. Employees in my work unit adapt to changing 

priorities. 

Positive Neutral Negative

2021 FedView Results 91% 8% 2%

18. Employees in my work unit successfully collaborate. Positive Neutral Negative

2021 FedView Results 89% 8% 3%

My Supervisor

19. Employees in my work unit achieve our goals. Positive Neutral Negative

2021 FedView Results 96% 3% 0%
4

20. Employees are recognized for providing high quality 

products and services. 

Positive Neutral Negative

2021 FedView Results 79% 10% 11%

21. Employees are protected from health and safety 

hazards on the job. 

Positive Neutral Negative

2021 FedView Results 93% 5% 2%

22. My agency is successful at accomplishing its mission. Positive Neutral Negative

2021 FedView Results 96% 4% 1%

23. I recommend my organization as a good place to 

work.

Positive Neutral Negative

2021 FedView Results 87% 9% 4%

24. I believe the results of this survey will be used to 

make my agency a better place to work.

Positive Neutral Negative

2021 FedView Results 67% 20% 13%

25. My supervisor supports my need to balance work 

and other life issues.

2021 FedView Results

Positive

93%

Neutral

3%

Negative

4%

26. My supervisor is committed to a workforce 

representative of all segments of society.

Positive Neutral Negative

2021 FedView Results 87% 9% 4%

27. Supervisors in my work unit support employee 

development.

2021 FedView Results

Positive

89%

Neutral

5%

Negative

5%

28. My supervisor listens to what I have to say.

2021 FedView Results

Positive

90%

Neutral

5%

Negative

5%
5

29. My supervisor treats me with respect.

2021 FedView Results

Positive

91%

Neutral

4%

Negative

5%

30. I have trust and confidence in my supervisor. Positive Neutral Negative

2021 FedView Results 86% 7% 7%

31. Overall, how good a job do you feel is being done by 

your immediate supervisor? 

Positive Neutral Negative

2021 FedView Results 88% 8% 4%

Leadership

32. In my organization, senior leaders generate high 

levels of motivation and commitment in the workforce.

Positive Neutral Negative

2021 FedView Results 71% 17% 12%

33. My organization’s senior leaders maintain high 

standards of honesty and integrity.

Positive Neutral Negative

2021 FedView Results 78% 15% 8%

34. Managers communicate the goals of the 

organization.

Positive Neutral Negative

2021 FedView Results 85% 10% 5%

35. Managers promote communication among different 

work units (for example, about projects, goals, needed 

resources). 

Positive Neutral Negative

2021 FedView Results 80% 9% 11%

36. Overall, how good a job do you feel is being done by 

the manager directly above your immediate supervisor? 

Positive Neutral Negative

2021 FedView Results 83% 11% 6%
6

37. I have a high level of respect for my organization's 

senior leaders. 

Positive Neutral Negative

2021 FedView Results 76% 15% 9%

38. Senior leaders demonstrate support for Work-Life 

programs.

Positive Neutral Negative

2021 FedView Results 84% 12% 4%

My Satisfaction

39. How satisfied are you with your involvement in 

decisions that affect your work? 

Positive Neutral Negative

2021 FedView Results 77% 13% 10%

40. How satisfied are you with the information you 

receive from management on what's going on in your 

organization?

Positive Neutral Negative

2021 FedView Results 79% 14% 8%

41. How satisfied are you with the recognition you 

receive for doing a good job?

Positive Neutral Negative

2021 FedView Results 78% 11% 12%

42. Considering everything, how satisfied are you with 

your job? 

Positive Neutral Negative

2021 FedView Results 85% 8% 7%

43. Considering everything, how satisfied are you with 

your pay? 

Positive Neutral Negative

2021 FedView Results 71% 14% 15%

44. Considering everything, how satisfied are you with 

your organization? 

Positive Neutral Negative

2021 FedView Results 85% 9% 6%
7

Pandemic*

45. Since the last OPM FEVS (September and October 

2020), on average what percentage of your work time 

have you been physically present at your agency 

worksite (including headquarters, bureau, field offices, 

etc.)?

100% of my work time

At least 75% but less than 100% 

 

At least 50% but less than 75%

At least 25% but less than 50%

 

Less than 25%

I have not been physically present at my agency worksite 

during the pandemic

46. Please select the response that BEST describes your 

current teleworking schedule.

2021

5%

1%

0%

2%

33%

60%

2021

Telework:

Every Workday 92%

3-4 Days Per Week 5%

1-2 Days Per Week 1%

Only 1-2 Days Per Month 0%

Very Infrequently 0%

Do Not Telework:

Must Be Physically Present 0%

Technical Issues 0%

Not Approved to Telework 0%

Choose Not to Telework 1%

Telework
8

47. How has your organization supported you during the 

COVID-19 pandemic?

For each support listed, choose the best response from 

one of the 3 columns: (1) those supports you needed and 

have been available to you, (2) those needed but not 

available to you, and (3) those supports you have not 

currently needed. 

2021

47A. Expanded Telework (Needed And Available To Me)

47A. Expanded Telework (Needed, But Not Available To 

Me)

47A. Expanded Telework (Not Needed By Me Now)

47B. Expanded Work Schedule Flexibilities (Needed And 

Available To Me)

47B. Expanded Work Schedule Flexibilities (Needed, But 

Not Available To Me)

47B. Expanded Work Schedule Flexibilities (Not Needed 

By Me Now)

47C. Expanded Leave Policies (Needed And Available to 

Me)

47C. Expanded Leave Policies (Needed, But Not Available 

to Me)

47C. Expanded Leave Policies (Not Needed By Me Now)

95%

1%

4%

84%

2%

15%

56%

4%

39%

47D. Clear Guidance on COVID-19 Vaccination Protocols 

(Needed And Available to Me)

47D. Clear Guidance on COVID-19 Vaccination Protocols 

(Needed, But Not Available to Me)

47D. Clear Guidance on COVID-19 Vaccination 

Protocols(Not Needed By Me Now) 

47E. Appropriate Physical Health Resources (e.g., access 

to COVID-19 testing) at my Agency Worksite (Needed And 

Available To Me)

47E. Appropriate Physical Health Resources (e.g., access 

to COVID-19 testing) at my Agency Worksite (Needed, But 

Not Available To Me)

89%

3%

9%

32%

8%

Pandemic*
9

47E. Appropriate Physical Health Resources (e.g., access 

to COVID-19 testing) at my Agency Worksite (Not Needed 

By Me Now)

60%

47F. Timely Communication About Possible COVID-19 

Exposure at my Agency Worksite (Needed And Available 

To Me)

47F. Timely Communication About Possible COVID-19 

Exposure at my Agency Worksite (Needed, But Not 

Available To Me)

47F. Timely Communication About Possible COVID-19 

Exposure at my Agency Worksite (Not Needed By Me 

Now)

47G. Social Distancing in my Agency Worksite (Needed 

And Available To Me)

47G. Social Distancing in my Agency Worksite (Needed, 

But Not Available To Me)

47G. Social Distancing in my Agency Worksite (Not 

Needed By Me Now)

47H. Encouraged use of Personal Protective Equipment 

(PPE) or other Safety Equipment in my Agency Worksite 

(Needed And Available To Me)

47H. Encouraged use of Personal Protective Equipment 

(PPE) or other Safety Equipment in my Agency Worksite 

(Needed, But Not Available To Me)

47H. Encouraged use of Personal Protective Equipment 

(PPE) or other Safety Equipment in my Agency Worksite 

(Not Needed By Me Now)

47I. Cleaning and Sanitizing Performed Regularly In My 

Agency Worksite To Reduce Risk of COVID-19 Illness 

(Needed And Available To Me)

47I. Cleaning and Sanitizing Performed Regularly In My 

Agency Worksite To Reduce Risk of COVID-19 Illness 

(Needed, But Not Available To Me)

47I. Cleaning and Sanitizing Performed Regularly In My 

Agency Worksite To Reduce Risk of COVID-19 Illness(Not 

Needed By Me Now) 

47J. A Well-Ventilated Worksite (Needed And Available 

To Me)

57%

13%

29%

55%

2%

44%

59%

2%

39%

55%

2%

43%

44%
10

47J. A Well-Ventilated Worksite (Needed, But Not 

Available To Me) 

47J. A Well-Ventilated Worksite (Not Needed By Me Now)

47K. Clear Guidance on Quarantine Requirements after 

any COVID-19 Exposure (Needed And Available To Me) 

47K. Clear Guidance on Quarantine Requirements after 

any COVID-19 Exposure (Needed, But Not Available To 

Me)

47K. Clear Guidance on Quarantine Requirements after 

any COVID-19 Exposure (Not Needed By Me Now)

10%

46%

52%

8%

39%

48. My organization's senior leaders demonstrate 

commitment to employee health and safety.

 

Strongly Agree 61%

Agree 32%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 5%

Disagree 0%

Strongly Disagree

No Basis to Judge

 1%

-

49. My organization's senior leaders support policies and 

procedures to protect employee health and safety.

Strongly Agree 60%

Agree 33%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 5%

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

No Basis to Judge

 0%

 1%

-

50. My organization's senior leaders provide effective 

communications about what to expect with the return to 

the physical worksite.

Strongly Agree 45%

Agree 30%
11

Neither Agree nor Disagree 13%

Disagree 8%

Strongly Disagree 5%

No Basis to Judge

51. My supervisor shows concern for my health and 

safety.

 -

Strongly Agree 73%

Agree 22%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 3%

Disagree 1%

Strongly Disagree 1%

No Basis to Judge

52. My supervisor supports my efforts to stay healthy 

and safe while working.

 -

Strongly Agree 74%

Agree 22%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 3%

Disagree 0%

Strongly Disagree 1%

No Basis to Judge

53. My supervisor creates an environment where I can 

voice my concerns about staying healthy and safe.

 -

Strongly Agree 69%

Agree 22%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 7%

Disagree 1%

Strongly Disagree 1%

No Basis to Judge -
12

54. Does the type of work you do require you to be 

physically present at a worksite (e.g., border patrol agent, 

TSA agent, meat inspector)?

Yes 1%

No 98%

Other 1%

55. My agency's leadership updates employees about 

return to the worksite planning.

Strongly Agree

 

39%

Agree 41%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 9%

Disagree 8%

Strongly Disagree 3%

Do Not Know -

56. In plans to return more employees to the worksite, 

my organization has made employee safety a top 

priority.

Strongly Agree 46%

Agree 35%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 13%

Disagree 4%

Strongly Disagree 2%

57. Based on my organization's handling of the COVID19 pandemic, I believe my organization will respond 

effectively to future emergencies.

Strongly Agree 48%

Agree 38%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 9%

Disagree 3%

Strongly Disagree 1%

Do Not Know -
13