United StateS Office Of PerSOnnel ManageMent

 2017 

SES Exit Report

OPM.GOV JULY 2017
Table of Contents

Executive Summary 1

Key findings 1

Background 2

Data Sources and Response Rate 2

Analysis 3

SES Separations Trends 4

Who participated? 4

Why are they leaving? 5

Where are they going? 5

Work Intentions and Pay 7

SES Retention Considerations 8

Stay Factors 8

Factors Influencing Decisions to Leave 10

Succession Management 13

Performance Management 13

Executive Perceptions of Senior Executive Service and Agency 13

Ranking the Executive Core Qualifications 13

Executives Recommend the SES 15

Executives Recommend Their Agency 15

Conclusion 16

Appendices 17

Appendix 1: Figure Descriptions and Data 18

Appendix 2: Governmentwide SES Exit Survey Results, Year-Over-Year Comparison 22

Appendix 3: Participation by Agency 29

Appendix 4: Executive Core Qualifications and Competencies 31

Appendix 5: SES Onboarding Survey Instrument 33
List of Tables

Table 1. Participant Demographics 4

Table 2. Organizations for Which Departing SES Intend to Work 6

Table 3. Summary of Open Ended Responses – Reasons “Nothing Would Have Encouraged Them to Stay” 8

Table 4. Departing SES Performance Ratings 13

Table 5. Departing SES Rankings of Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) 14

Table 6. Open Comment Themes: Perceptions of the Senior Executive Service 15

Table 7. Open Comment Themes: Perceptions of the Agency 15

Table 8. Summary – Aspects departing SES liked most about their agencies 16
List of Figures

Figure 1. Circumstances Under Which SES are Leaving 5

Figure 2. SES Intentions to Work for Pay 5

Figure 3. Changes in SES Work Schedule and Salary Expectations Over Time 7

Figure 4. Comparison of Stay Factors By Retirement Status 9

Figure 5. Comparison of Reasons for Leaving Categories by Retirement Status 10

Figure 6. Comparison of Reasons for Leaving by Retirement Status 11

Figure 7. SES Succession Planning Efforts 13

Perceptions of the Senior Executive Service 15

Perceptions of the Agency 15
Executive Summary

In April 2013, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued a new exit survey for standard distribution by all 

agencies across the Federal Government to departing members of the Senior Executive Service (SES). The SES Exit Survey 

is designed to capture valuable information regarding the circumstances under which senior executives leave the Federal 

Government and offer an opportunity for executives to provide candid feedback about their work experiences. The 

data presented are intended to support agency and Governmentwide recruitment, engagement, retention, and succession planning efforts for current and future executives. This Governmentwide report focuses on the analysis of survey 

responses collected from August 2015 to July 2016, as well as trend data from previous SES Exit reports. 

Key findings

• Retirement continues to be the most common reason SES are leaving their agencies. As in previous years, the 

majority of SES indicated they were leaving their agency due to retirement (61 percent). 

• Executives are leaving with intent to continue working, in many cases for higher pay; an increasing number intend to 

work without any reduction in pay. A cross-year survey comparison of work schedule and salary expectations from 

Year 1 (2013-14) to Year 3 (2015-16) highlighted that an increasing percentage of departing SES intended to continue 

to work full-time without taking a cut in pay. And while the percentage of departing SES seeking an increase in pay 

has remained relatively stable between Year 1 and Year 3, the percentage expecting their pay to decrease has diminished by 8 percentage points.

• Agencies can influence whether or not an executive stays in the organization; however, factors may vary based on 

retirement eligibility status. Many executives who intend to keep working indicated they would stay for increased pay 

(39 percent), change in duties or responsibilities (28 percent), increased autonomy (27 percent), and better worklife balance (22 percent). Fewer retirement eligible executives indicated they would stay for these same factors. In 

addition, executives who leave their agencies to pursue opportunities that do not include retirement were more 

likely to indicate that the lack of advancement opportunities and recognition contributed greatly or very greatly to 

their decisions to leave (48 percent vs 34 percent), while executives who retired were more likely to attribute exit 

decisions to personal reasons (63 percent vs 54 percent). 

• Work environment issues continue to be the highest contributing factors in an executive’s decision to leave. Overall, 

work environment issues such as the “political environment” (42 percent), “organizational culture” (42 percent), and 

“senior leadership” (40 percent) contributed the most to executives’ decisions to their leaving the agency.

• Formal succession planning is not the norm for senior-level roles. A majority of departing SES (61 percent) said their 

agencies had no formal succession planning efforts for executives, and more than half (56 percent) said their agency 

made no efforts to involve them in preparing their successor.

2017 SES Exit Report 1
Background

OPM, in partnership with other agencies, designed the SES Exit Survey to capture valuable information regarding the 

circumstances under which senior executives leave the Federal Government and offer an opportunity for executives 

to provide candid feedback about their work experiences and their perspectives of their agencies. The information 

will enable Federal agencies to have increased awareness of their executives’ work environments and to inform their 

continued efforts to successfully recruit, manage, and retain their senior leadership workforce. Specifically, this report 

provides insight on:

• SES separations trends

• Stay factors

• Factors influencing decisions to leave

• Succession management

• Performance management

• Compensation

• Executive perceptions of the Senior Executive Service and agency 

Methodology

Data Sources and Response Rate

Data for the OPM SES Exit Survey were gathered via an online survey (see Appendix 5 for the SES Exit Survey). Each 

agency appoints an agency-wide Point of Contact (POC) who is responsible for distributing the common survey link to 

departing executives. The survey link is available on an ongoing basis for an indefinite period of time. 

This Governmentwide report focuses on the analysis of survey responses collected from August 2015 to July 2016, as 

well as trend data from the previous reports, covering April 2013 to July 2014 and August 2014 to July 2015. Year-to-year 

comparisons of results are available in Appendix 2. 

A total of 212 members of the SES who were in the process of leaving their agencies responded to the survey. The 

response rate is difficult to calculate because OPM does not directly distribute the individual surveys to departing executives. OPM conservatively calculated a response rate of 21 percent.1

 Since it may not be possible for every member 

of the SES who leaves an agency to receive the survey link, the actual response rate is expected to be higher than the 

approximated response rate provided in this report. 

2

1 The response rate calculation relies on agencies to voluntarily submit data on the number of SES who left the organization and the number of SES who were provided the Exit Survey link between August 2015 and July 2016. Any data that is 

not collected through the data call is filled in using EHRI separations data which covers the time period of the report.

2017 SES Exit Report 
Analysis

Most of the data collected through the SES Exit Survey consisted of categorical information. OPM used common statistical methods such as frequencies, percentages, and cross-tabulations to analyze these survey items. In some cases, 

results from previous surveys were used to assess changes over time. Additionally, as described below, OPM grouped 

some response categories to simplify presentations. 

Agreement Items: These items requested the respondent to choose an answer on an “agreement” scale comprised of 

the following options: “Strongly Agree”; “Agree”; “Neither Agree nor Disagree”; “Disagree”; and “Strongly Disagree.” The 

results were then grouped into the categories displayed in the table below. 

Response Option Grouped Category

Strongly Agree Positive

Agree

Neither Agree nor Disagree Neutral

Disagree Negative Strongly Disagree

Extent Items: These items asked the respondent to choose an answer on an “extent” scale comprised of the following 

options: “Not at all”; “To a Small Extent”; “To a Moderate Extent”; “To a Great Extent”; and “To a Very Great Extent.” 

The results were then further grouped into the categories displayed in the table below. Graphs in this report reflect the 

grouped “To a Great Extent/To a Very Great Extent” category.

Response Option Grouped Category

Not at all Not at all/To a Small Extent To a Small Extent

To a Moderate Extent To a Moderate Extent

To a Great Extent To a Great Extent/To a Very Great Extent To a Very Great Extent

The SES Exit survey also included open-ended questions which gave SES the opportunity to provide candid feedback 

about their experiences. OPM analyzed open-ended survey responses using a systematic coding scheme to identify 

themes. 

2017 SES Exit Report 3
SES Separations Trends

Who participated?

A total of 212 members of the SES who were in the process of leaving their agencies responded to the survey. 

Respondents represented 23 agencies (see Appendix 3 for participation by agency). Participants tended to be older 

than 50 (79 percent), were career SES (95 percent), and a majority of the respondents indicated their race as White 

(79 percent). The majority of participants were appointed to their senior positions from a Federal service position 

(81 percent), and almost half had worked in the agency from which they were separating for more than 20 years (49 

percent). Participant demographics are further summarized in Table 1. 

Table 1. Participant Demographics

Demographic Category Percentage Demographic Category Percentage

Age (N=210) Agency tenure (N=208)

Under 30 1% Less than one year 4%

30-39 3% 1-3 years 12%

40-49 17% 4-5 years 9%

50-59 17% 6-10 years 15%

60 or older 39% 11-20 years 11%

More than 20 years 49%

Demographic Category Percentage Demographic Category Percentage

Race/Ethnicity* (N=201) Appointment type (N=209)

American Indian or 

Alaska Native

2% Career 95%

Asian 3% Non-Career 4%

Black or African 

American

17% Limited Term 1%

Native Hawaiian or 

Other Pacific Islander

1% Limited Emergency 0%

White 79%

Hispanic/Latino 10%

Demographic Category Percentage Demographic Category Percentage

Years in Senior 

Executive Service 

(N=186)

Appointed from... (N=197)

Less than one year 10% Federal service position 81%

1-3 years 18% Private sector 7%

4-5 years 21% State/local government 2%

6-10 years 30% Military service 4%

11-20 years 17% Academia 1%

More than 20 years 5% Reinstatement 1%

Other 7%

*Respondents were able to select multiple categories

4 2017 SES Exit Report 
Why are they leaving?

Shown in Figure 1, the majority of the executives indicated they were leaving to retire (61 percent), and almost all were 

doing so voluntarily (98 percent). These percentages have remained relatively stable across all three years of the SES Exit 

Survey (see Appendix 2 for year-over-year comparisons). 

Where are they going?

More departing executives reported they are leaving the workforce permanently than in previous years. The number of 

members of the SES who indicated they would not be working for pay (31 percent) was higher this year than in previous 

administrations of the survey (27 percent in 2013-14 and 20 percent in 2014-15). In contrast, 30 percent of the members 

of the SES departing this year indicated they would be working for pay after leaving their agencies; 15 percent intended 

2017 SES Exit Report 5

* Percentages are rounded and 

may not add to 100%
to look for work in the near future; and 24 percent were undecided (see Figure 2). 

The executives who intend to work in the future responded they are unlikely to pursue Federal employment, even 

though a large portion (69 percent) indicated they would be willing to work for their agencies in the future either fulltime (26 percent) or part-time (20 percent). Thirty-five percent indicated they planned to work for the private sector (not 

Government contractors), 14 percent planned to work for themselves, and 14 percent planned to work in the not-forprofit sector (see Table 2). 

Table 2

Organizations for Which Departing SES Intend to 

Work

Percentage of 

Departing SES

Private company, not a Government contractor 35%

Non-profit organization 14%

Self-employed 14%

Government contractor 7%

Not sure* 7%

State or local government 6%

Academia* 6%

Another Federal agency* 3%

Military* 1%

Work as a reemployed annuitant for a Federal 

agency

1%

Other 6%

N=72; only includes those who indicated they would be working or 

would be looking for work

*Percentages were calculated from an analysis of written “Other” 

responses

6 2017 SES Exit Report 
Work Intentions and Pay

Over half of the departing executives indicated they would be working for increased pay (57 percent), and, in comparison 

to previous years, more departing executives intend to work full-time (81 percent this year vs 71 percent in 2014-15) 

without decreasing their salary ( 18 percent this year vs 26 percent in 2014-15). Figure 3 shows a cross-year comparison of work schedule and salary expectations among departing members of the SES who intended to seek work. While 

the percentage of departing members of the SES seeking an increase in pay through other opportunities has remained 

relatively stable from 2013-14 to 2015-16 (over half), those expecting their pay to stay the same has increased by 10 

percentage points, and those expecting a decrease has declined by 8 percentage points. 

2017 SES Exit Report 7
SES Retention Considerations

Federal agencies continue to have opportunities to better understand and find ways to retain their senior executives. 

As noted above, a majority of the departing senior executives indicated they were considering or definitely planning to 

work; only one-third definitively indicated they were not seeking employment (Figure 1). Agencies have less opportunity 

to persuade retiring members of the SES to stay. Literature on organizational withdrawal often considers separations due 

to retirement distinct from other types of voluntary turnover2

 -- retirees want to reduce their commitment to employment in general, and place more emphasis on other life roles.3

 However, the other executives (non-retirees) are leaving 

with the intent to continue working, and it would benefit agencies to explore ways to retain those employees. 

Stay Factors

As agencies explore ways to retain the members of the SES who intend to work after leaving, they should consider stay 

factors that are rated highly. Stay factors represent hypothetical changes in work-related circumstances that, if offered, 

might encourage an executive to stay in their current role. Overall, “increase in pay” was the most frequently endorsed 

stay factor (34 percent). Non-retirees indicated “change in duties or responsibilities” (28 percent), “increased autonomy” 

(27 percent), and “better work-life balance” (22 percent) as important stay factors. Retirees indicated “retention incentives” (25 percent) and “verbal encouragement to stay based on value to the organization” (22 percent) as top reasons 

they would have stayed. Considering that almost three-fourths of departing SES (71 percent) said no efforts were made 

to encourage them to stay, agencies should not underestimate the value of stay interviews as a first step in the process of 

retaining top executive talent. See Figure 4 for additional comparison results. 

However, agencies should not get frustrated if their efforts are not entirely successful because thirty-two percent of 

departing SES indicated that nothing would have encouraged them to stay, a higher percentage than the previous two 

years of the survey. Among members of the SES who selected this response option, 69 percent were retiring, 8 percent 

were resigning, 15 percent were transferring to another agency, and 3 percent were accepting a non-SES position within 

another Federal agency. These departing executives were also provided the opportunity to explain their answer, and a 

summary of response themes can be found in Table 3. 

Table 3

Summary of Open Ended Responses – 

Reasons SES Said “Nothing Would Have 

Encouraged Them to Stay”

Number of 

Comments

Ready to retire 23

Pursuing other career interests 11

Work environment issues 4

Personal reasons 3

Poor leadership 3

Disrespectful treatment 2

Better compensation 2

2 See, for example: 

Cho, Y. J. and Lewis, G. B. 2012. “Turnover Intention and Turnover Behavior: Implications for

Retaining Federal Employees.” Review of Public Personnel Administration, 32: 4-23. 

Partnership for Public Service & Booz Allen Hamilton. (2010). Beneath the Surface: Understanding Attrition at Your Agency 

and Why It Matters. Washington, DC: Partnership for Public Service

3 Schmidt, J. and Lee, K. 2008. “Voluntary Retirement and Organizational Turnover Intentions: The Differential 

Associations with Work and Non-Work Commitment Constructs.” Journal of Business and Psychology, 22: 297-309

8 2017 SES Exit Report 
2017 SES Exit Report 9

Figure 4. Stay Factor Comparisons By Retirement Status

*Participants were able to select multiple responses
Factors Influencing Decisions to Leave

Work environment issues (e.g., political environment, organizational culture, senior leadership, lack of autonomy) 

continue to be the most influential reasons for leaving. Departing executives rated the extent to which various elements 

contributed to their reasons for leaving their agency, and regardless of retirement status, a majority of executives indicated at least one work environment element contributed to their decision to leave “to a great extent” or “to a very 

great extent” (see Figure 5). Other reasons for leaving tended to vary based on retirement status. Executives indicating 

they were going to continue to work (non-retirees) were generally more likely to rate advancement and recognition (48 

percent vs 34 percent), and executives who intended not to work (retirees) generally rated personal reasons (63 percent 

vs 52 percent) as important factors. 

The results reinforce the importance of engaging in open and candid conversations with departing executives, as SES in 

different career stages appear to be leaving for different reasons. Figure 6 provides a more detailed comparison of the 

factors that had the most impact on the two departing SES subgroups. The largest percentage point gaps were observed 

for the following reasons: “desire to live life without work commitments” (retirees – 41 percent, non-retirees – 1 

percent), “more attractive job offer elsewhere” (non-retirees – 50 percent, retirees – 13 percent), “lack of opportunities 

for development” (non-retirees – 36 percent, retirees – 10 percent), and “desire to leave the workforce” (retirees – 22 

percent, non-retirees – 1 percent). 

10 2017 SES Exit Report 
Figure 6. Comparison of Reasons for Leaving by Retirement Status

2017 SES Exit Report 11

Work Environment

Advancement and Recognition
Figure 6 (continued)

12 2017 SES Exit Report 

Personal Reasons

Work-Life Balance

Compensation/Benefits
Succession Management

A majority of departing SES indicated their agencies have no formal succession planning efforts for executives (61 

percent), and over half of departing members of the SES (56 percent) said their agencies made no efforts to involve them 

in preparing their successors (see Figure 7). Results for these items have been relatively stable across survey administrations (see Appendix 2). Succession management is critical to mission success and creates an effective process for 

recognizing, developing, and retaining top leadership talent. Agencies are required to develop a comprehensive management succession program to fill agency supervisory and managerial positions (5 CFR 412.101). The exit survey results 

indicate agencies should focus efforts to ensure smooth transitions in leadership. 

Performance Management

Executive performance is evaluated on a pay-for-performance system where senior executives are rated each year on 

a combination of demonstrated leadership through the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) as well as measurable results. A majority of executives (79 percent) indicated they were rated either “Outstanding” or “Exceeds Fully 

Successful” on their most recent performance appraisal (see Table 4).

Table 4

Departing SES Performance Ratings

Percentage of 

Departing SES

Outstanding 46%

Exceeds Fully Successful 33%

Fully Successful 16%

Minimally Satisfactory 0%

Unsatisfactory 0%

I did not receive a performance rating 5%

I prefer not to respond -

Executive Perceptions of Senior Executive Service and Agency

In addition to capturing departing executives’ separation motivations and employment intentions, the Exit Survey 

provides members of the SES an opportunity to share their perceptions of general aspects of their employment 

experiences. 

2017 SES Exit Report 13
Ranking the Executive Core Qualifications 

The Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) are leadership skills designated by OPM to evaluate individuals for entrance 

into the SES and to evaluate their performance. A chart summarizing each ECQ and its competencies can be found in 

Appendix 4. The survey asked executives to rank the ECQs in order of importance to achieve success in their position (5 

= most important for success, 1 = least important for success). Table 5 shows that Leading People received the highest 

average ranking of the five ECQs, with an average ranking of 3.93. These ratings have remained stable across each iteration of the survey. 

Table 5. Departing SES Rankings of Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs)

Executive Core 

Qualification (ECQ)

Average 

Ranking ECQ Description

Leading People (1) 3.93 This core qualification involves the ability to lead people 

toward meeting the organization’s vision, mission and 

goals. Inherent in this ECQ is the ability to provide 

an inclusive workplace that fosters the development 

of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork and 

supports constructive resolution of conflicts

Results Driven (2) 3.26 This core qualification involves the ability to meet organizational goals and customer expectations. Inherent in this 

ECQ is the ability to make decisions that produce highquality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing 

problems and calculating risks.

Leading Change (3) 3.12 This core qualification involves the ability to bring about 

strategic change, both within and outside the organization, to meet organizational goals. Inherent in this ECQ 

is the ability to establish an organizational vision and to 

implement it in a continuously changing environment.

Building Coalitions (4) 2.62 This core qualification involves the ability to build coalitions internally and with other Federal agencies, State 

and local governments, nonprofit and private sector 

organizations, foreign governments, or international organizations to achieve common goals.

Business Acumen (5) 2.08 This core qualification involves the ability to manage 

human, financial and information resources strategically.

14 2017 SES Exit Report 
Executives Recommend the SES

A majority of departing members of the SES recommend employment in the SES (63 percent) (see graph below). 

Departing executives were given an opportunity to explain their opinions, and a sample of positive, neutral, and negative 

themes are provided in Table 6. 

Perceptions of the Senior Executive Service

Table 6. Open Comment Themes

Positive Comment Themes Neutral Comment Themes Negative Comment Themes

Rewarding job Rewarding, but under 

compensated Toxic political environment

Opportunity to make a difference Has pros and cons Insufficient pay for workload/

responsibilities

An honor to serve Challenging and not for everyone Unsupportive environment

Impactful work Too bureaucratic

Executives Recommend Their Agency

A majority of departing members of the SES would recommend their agency as a good place to work (63 percent). 

Departing members of the SES were given an opportunity to explain their opinions, and a sample of positive, neutral, 

and negative themes are provided in Table 7. 

Perceptions of the Agency

Table 7. Open Comment Themes

Positive Comment Themes Neutral Comment Themes Negative Comment Themes

Important/worthwhile mission Growing tensions between career 

and political appointees Too political

Dedicated employees Good agency, limited resources Unfair treatment

Great place to work Lack of respect for SES

Rewarding work Poor organizational culture

2017 SES Exit Report 15
Departing members of the SES were also given the opportunity to describe what they liked best about working at their 

agency. Responses are summarized in Table 8.

Table 8

Summary – Aspects departing SES liked 

most about their agencies

Number of 

comments

Mission 43

The employees 36

Positive impact of work 19

Colleagues 14

The work itself 12

Team-oriented environment 6

Supportive leadership 5

Sense of organizational commitment 4

Autonomy 3

Open communication 2

Work flexibility 2

Geographically dispersed workforce 1

Executive training 1

Agency size 1

Variety of work 1

Work-life balance 1

Opportunity to learn 1

Availability of resources 1

Conclusion

With SES retirement rates remaining high and steady, it is imperative for agencies to understand what they can do 

to engage and retain top-performing executives, while mitigating factors that cause executives to leave the Federal 

Government. 

16 2017 SES Exit Report 
Appendices

2017 SES Exit Report 17
Appendix 1: Figure Descriptions and Data

Figure 1. Circumstances Under which SES are Leaving

Retirement was the most commonly cited reason for SES departure

Reason for Leaving 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16

Retiring 59% 56% 61%

Resigning 11% 17% 10%

Transferring to another 

Federal agency

12% 16% 18%

Accepting non-SES position 

within a Federal agency

2% 5% 4%

Leaving involuntarily 1% 1% 1%

Other 14% 6% 5%

N=217 N=224 N=210

Figure 2. SES Intentions to Work for Pay

A majority of departing SES were considering working for pay after leaving their agencies

Will you be working for pay after you leave your agency? Percentage

Yes 30%

No, but I intend to look for employment in the near future 15%

No 31%

Undecided 24%

Figure 3. Changes in SES Work Schedule and Salary Expectations Over Time

More departing SES intend to work full-time without taking a cut in pay

Year

Work 

Schedule Percentage

2013-14 Full-time 71%

Part-time 29%

2015-16 Full-time 81%

Part-time 19%

Year Salary Change Percentage

2013-14 Increase 59%

Stay the same 15%

Decrease 26%

2015-16 Increase 57%

Stay the same 25%

Decrease 18%

18 2017 SES Exit Report 
Figure 4. Stay Factor Comparisons By Retirement Status

Category Stay Factors

Percentage of 

Retirees

Percentage of 

Non-Retirees

Compensation Benefits Increase in Pay 28% 39%

Performance/Other award 18% 20%

Retention Incentive 25% 15%

Dual compensation waiver 

(If retiring)

10%

Student loan repayment 1% 5%

Benefits 1% 5%

Increased Authority/

Support

Greater engagement from 

senior leadership

17% 19%

High level position 6% 20%

Greater scope of 

responsibility

2% 15%

Increased autonomy 19% 27%

Increased delegation 6% 14%

Increased funding/

resources

12% 19%

Increased support dealing 

w/ poor performers

8% 15%

Verbal encouragement to 

stay

22% 20%

Work-Life Balance Relocation 13% 14%

Increased telework 

opportunity

10% 3%

Flexible/part-time schedule 14% 4%

Change in duties/

responsibilities

10% 28%

More comprehensive 

eldercare

2% 1%

Better work-life balance 14% 22%

Developmental 

Opportunities

Mobility assignment 4% 5%

Sabbatical 10% 4%

Coaching 1% 3%

Executive development 

training

5% 1%

Reassignment to new job w/

in agency

10% 15%

2017 SES Exit Report 19
Figure 5. Comparison of Reasons for Leaving Categories by Retirement Status

Category

Percentage of 

Retirees

Percentage of 

Non-Retirees

Work Environment 62% 65%

Advancement and Recognition 34% 48%

Personal Reasons 63% 52%

Work-Life Balance 42% 41%

Compensation and Benefits 30% 37%

Figure 6. Comparison of Reasons for Leaving by Retirement Status

Category Reason for Leaving

Percentage of 

Retirees

Percentage of 

Non-Retirees

Work environment Political environment 40% 46%

Organizational culture 38% 49%

Senior leadership 38% 44%

Lack of autonomy 27% 39%

Relationship w/ supervisor 18% 31%

Job duties/responsibilities 13% 21%

Supervisory duties 8% 14%

Relationship w/ colleagues 2% 11%

Advancement/recognition Lack of rec for accomplishments 30% 36%

Performance evaluations 18% 21%

Lack of opportunities for 

advancement

10% 36%

Lack of opportunities for 

development

6% 26%

Personal reasons Desire to enjoy life without work 

commitments

41% 1%

Desire to leave workforce 22% 1%

Personal reasons health 15% 6%

More attractive job offer elsewhere 13% 50%

Relocation 13% 7%

Care for family member 11% 3%

Desire to pursue education 2% 6%

W-L Balance Job stress 29% 27%

Workload 17% 14%

Long work hours 14% 8%

Commute 13% 16%

Work hours not flexible 7% 9%

Geographic assignment 5% 10%

Compensation/Benefits Lack of awards 23% 27%

Insufficient pay 20% 27%

Unsatisfactory benefits 7% 4%

20 2017 SES Exit Report 
Figure 7. SES Succession Planning Efforts

Departing SES reported that...

Their agency had formal succession 

planning efforts for executives Percentage

No 61%

Yes 39%

They were involved in preparing their 

successor Percentage

No 56%

Yes 44%

2017 SES Exit Report 21
Appendix 2: Governmentwide SES Exit Survey Results, Year-Over-Year Comparison

Which of the following best describes the circumstances under which 

you are leaving your agency?

2013-

2014

2014-

2015

2015-

2016

I am retiring 59% 56% 61%

I am resigning 11% 17% 10%

I am transferring to another Federal agency 12% 16% 18%

I am accepting a non-SES position within a Federal agency 2% 5% 4%

I am leaving involuntarily 1% 1% 1%

Other 14% 6% 5%

N=217 N=224 N=210

I am retiring:

2013-

2014

2014-

2015

2015-

2016

Voluntarily 97% 93% 98%

Involuntarily (Mandatory Retirement) 2% 5% 1%

Involuntarily for reasons other than Mandatory Retirement 2% 2% 2%

N=128 N=120 N=129

Will you be working for pay after you leave your agency?

2013-

2014

2014-

2015

2015-

2016

Yes 35% 37% 30%

No, but I intend to look for employment in the near future 14% 19% 15%

No 27% 20% 31%

Undecided 24% 24% 24%

N=169 N=160 N=158

Which of the following best describes the type of organization you will 

be working for after you leave your agency:

2013-

2014

2014-

2015

2015-

2016

Government contractor 10% 14% 7%

Private company, not a Government contractor 33% 33% 35%

Self-employed 21% 13% 14%

State or local government 6% 8% 6%

Non-profit organization 16% 11% 14%

Work as a reemployed annuitant for a Federal agency 5% 2% 1%

Other 9% 20% 24%

N=81 N=86 N=72

Will you be working full-time or part-time?

2013-

2014

2014-

2015

2015-

2016

Full-Time 71% 78% 81%

Part-Time 29% 22% 19%

N=111 N=125 N=118

22 2017 SES Exit Report 
Will your compensation increase, decrease, or stay the same?

2013-

2014

2014-

2015

2015-

2016

Increase 59% 60% 57%

Decrease 26% 18% 18%

Stay the same 15% 23% 25%

N=110 N=124 N=117

If possible, would you work for this agency in the future as an employee 

or contractor?

2013-

2014

2014-

2015

2015-

2016

Yes, part-time 19% 17% 20%

Yes, full-time 21% 29% 26%

Yes, for a short-term assignment 26% 17% 23%

No 35% 38% 32%

N=168 N=162 N=209

Does your agency have any formal succession planning efforts for executives? (e.g., interviews/debriefs that took place prior to your departure 

to ensure smooth transition of your duties)

2013-

2014

2014-

2015

2015-

2016

Yes 40% 28% 39%

No 60% 72% 61%

N=158 N=146 N=195

Have there been—or were there prior to your leaving—any efforts made 

to involve you in preparing for your successor?

2013-

2014

2014-

2015

2015-

2016

Yes 53% 46% 44%

No 47% 54% 56%

N=162 N=144 N=201

Was any effort made to encourage you to stay?

2013-

2014

2014-

2015

2015-

2016

Yes 30% 29% 29%

No 67% 69% 67%

No, I was asked or encouraged to leave 3% 4% 4%

N=195 N=191 N=204

2017 SES Exit Report 23
Stay Factor Categories

Stay Factors

2013-

2014

2014-

2015

2015-

2016

Compensation/Benefits Increase in Pay 37% 41% 34%

Performance/Other award 24% 26% 19%

Retention Incentive 20% 23% 22%

Dual compensation waiver (if retiring) 10% 6% 7%

Student loan repayment 2% 3% 3%

Benefits 5% 4% 3%

Increased Authority/Support Greater engagement from senior 

leadership

22% 28% 18%

High level position 12% 14% 12%

Greater scope of responsibility 12% 16% 7%

Increased autonomy in decision making 21% 31% 23%

Increased delegation of authority 14% 20% 9%

Increased funding/resources 17% 16% 15%

Increased support dealing with poor 

performers

10% 19% 11%

Verbal encouragement to stay based on 

your value to the organization

24% 29% 22%

Work-Life Balance Relocation to a geographical location of 

your choice

9% 11% 14%

Increased telework opportunity 9% 9% 7%

Flexible/part-time schedule 16% 15% 10%

Change in duties/responsibilities 15% 17% 17%

More comprehensive eldercare options 2% 2% 2%

Better work-life balance 23% 24% 17%

Developmental Opportunities Mobility assignment 9% 7% 5%

Sabbatical 9% 8% 8%

Coaching 6% 8% 2%

Executive development training 5% 9% 6%

Reassignment to new job within agency 10% 14% 12%

N=173 N=167 N=191

24 2017 SES Exit Report 
Reasons for Leaving 

Categories Reasons for Leaving

2013-

2014

2014-

2015

2015-

2016

Work environment Political environment 42% 42% 42%

Organizational culture 38% 37% 42%

Senior leadership 38% 43% 40%

Lack of autonomy in decision making 26% 33% 32%

Relationship with supervisor 24% 25% 23%

Job duties/responsibilities 16% 17% 16%

Supervisory duties/responsibilities 14% 9% 10%

Relationship with colleagues 5% 9% 6%

Advancement/recognition Lack of recognition for accomplishments 34% 35% 32%

Performance evaluations 20% 27% 19%

Lack of opportunities for advancement 22% 26% 20%

Lack of opportunities for development 15% 19% 14%

Work-Life Balance Job stress 30% 31% 28%

Workload 17% 20% 16%

Long work hours 17% 14% 12%

Commute 17% 13% 14%

Work hours not flexible 12% 10% 8%

Geographic assignment 11% 9% 7%

Personal reasons Desire to enjoy life without work 

commitments 38% 24% 26%

Desire to leave workforce 19% 13% 14%

Personal reasons/health 9% 12% 11%

More attractive job offer elsewhere 30% 34% 28%

Relocation 20% 14% 11%

Care for family member 13% 8% 8%

Desire to pursue education 6% 1% 7%

Compensation/Benefits Lack of awards 27% 25% 24%

Insufficient pay 29% 21% 23%

Unsatisfactory benefits 6% 5% 6%

N=146-

161

N=149-

160

N=165-

186

2017 SES Exit Report 25
What performance rating (or equivalent) did you receive on your last 

performance appraisal?

2013-

2014

2014-

2015

2015-

2016

Outstanding 45% 43% 46%

Exceeds Fully Successful 39% 34% 33&

Fully Successful 11% 13% 16%

Minimally Satisfactory 0% 2% 0%

Unsatisfactory 0% 1% 0%

I did not receive a performance rating 5% 7% 5%

I prefer not to respond - - -

N=179 N=175 N=212

To what extent do you agree or disagree that this rating was a reflection 

of your performance?

2013-

2014

2014-

2015

2015-

2016

Strongly Agree 41% 43% 45%

Agree 33% 27% 28%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 9% 6% 8%

Disagree 9% 10% 9%

Strongly Disagree 8% 14% 10%

I prefer not to respond - - -

 N=170 N=162 N=199

Please rank the following Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) in order 

of importance to achieve success in your position.

(Ratings averaged; 5= most important, 1= least important)

2013-

2014

2014-

2015

2015-

2016

Leading Change 2.99 3.12 3.12

Leading People 3.82 3.81 3.93

Results Driven 3.38 3.26 3.26

Business Acumen 2.05 2.17 2.08

Building Coalitions 2.79 2.7 2.62

N=169-

171 

N=163-

165

N=198-

201

I would recommend employment in the Senior Executive Service 

to others.

2013-

2014

2014-

2015

2015-

2016

Positive 62% 54% 63%

Neutral 25% 25% 24%

Negative 13% 21% 13%

N=169 N=163 N=207

I would recommend this agency to others as a good place to work.

2013-

2014

2014-

2015

2015-

2016

Positive 63% 57% 63%

Neutral 15% 16% 11%

Negative 23% 27% 26%

N=167 N=160 N=210

26 2017 SES Exit Report 
How long have you worked in this agency?

2013-

2014

2014-

2015

2015-

2016

Less than one year 1% 3% 4%

1-3 years 13% 14% 12%

4-5 years 14% 16% 9%

6-10 years 12% 11% 15%

11-20 years 12% 14% 11%

More than 20 years 47% 44% 49%

N=164 N=161 N=208

How long have you been a member of the Senior Executive Service?

2013-

2014

2014-

2015

2015-

2016

Less than one year 11% 7% 10%

1-3 years 16% 24% 18%

4-5 years 13% 19% 21%

6-10 years 28% 31% 30%

11-20 years 23% 11% 17%

More than 20 years 9% 8% 5%

N=159 N=140 N=186

What is your age group?

2013-

2014

2014-

2015

2015-

2016

Under 30 2% 1% 1%

30-39 4% 8% 3%

40-49 9% 16% 17%

50-59 42% 34% 40%

60 or older 43% 42% 39%

N=166 N=159 N=210

What type of appointment do you hold?

2013-

2014

2014-

2015

2015-

2016

Career 88% 87% 95%

Non-Career 10% 10% 4%

Limited Term 3% 3% 1%

Limited Emergency 0% 0% 0%

N=168 N=156 N=209

2017 SES Exit Report 27
From where were you appointed to your senior position?

2013-

2014

2014-

2015

2015-

2016

From a Federal service position 83% 76% 81%

From the private sector 6% 9% 7%

From State or local government 1% 3% 2%

From military service 2% 6% 4%

From academia 3% 1% 1%

Reinstatement 1% 1% 1%

Other 6% 4% 7%

N=163 N=146 N=197

Please select the racial category or categories with which you most 

closely identify *select all that apply

2013-

2014

2014-

2015

2015-

2016

American Indian or Alaska Native 2% 3% 2%

Asian 6% 7% 3%

Black or African American 12% 15% 17%

Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander 0% 2% 1%

White 82% 79% 79%

N=162 N=158 N=201

Are you Hispanic or Latino?

2013-

2014

2014-

2015

2015-

2016

Yes 7% 7% 10%

No 93% 94% 90%

N=162 N=154 N=201

28 2017 SES Exit Report 
Appendix 3: Participation by Agency

Agency Frequency Percentage

Department of Agriculture 9 4%

Department of Commerce 0 0%

Department of Defense 14 7%

Department of Education 1 >1%

Department of Energy 12 6%

Department of Health and Human Services 3 1%

Department of Homeland Security 33 16%

Department of Housing and Urban Development 2 1%

Department of Justice 14 7%

Department of Labor 4 2%

Department of State 3 1%

Department of the Interior 7 3%

Department of the Treasury 18 8%

Department of Transportation 5 2%

Department of Veterans Affairs 35 17%

Broadcasting Board of Governors 0 0%

Environmental Protection Agency 4 2%

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission 5 2%

Federal Communications Commission 3 1%

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 0 0%

Federal Trade Commission 0 0%

General Services Administration 8 4%

National Aeronautics and Space Administration 0 0%

National Archives and Records Administration 4 2%

National Labor Relations Board 0 0%

National Science Foundation 0 0%

Nuclear Regulatory Commission 11 5%

Office of Management and Budget 0 0%

Office of Personnel Management 1 >1%

Office of the U.S. Trade Representative 0 0%

Small Business Administration 1 >1%

Social Security Administration 0 0%

U.S. Agency for International Development 1 >1%

Railroad Retirement Board 0 0%

U.S. Office of Government Ethics 0 0%

National Transportation Safety Board 0 0%

N=212

2017 SES Exit Report 29
Do you work in an Office of the 

Inspector General? Frequency Percentage

Yes 10 5%

No 196 95%

30 2017 SES Exit Report 
Appendix 4: Executive Core Qualifications and Competencies

ECQ 1: Leading Change

Definition: This core qualification involves the ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside the 

organization, to meet organizational goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to establish an organizational vision and 

to implement it in a continuously changing environment.

•	 Creativity and Innovation – Develops new insights into situations; questions conventional approaches; encourages new ideas and innovations; designs and implements new or cutting edge programs/processes.

•	 External Awareness – Understands and keeps up-to-date on local, national, and international policies and 

trends that affect the organization and shape stakeholders’ views; is aware of the organization’s impact on the 

external environment.

•	 Flexibility – Is open to change and new information; rapidly adapts to new information, changing conditions, 

or unexpected obstacles.

•	 Resilience – Deals effectively with pressure; remains optimistic and persistent, even under adversity. Recovers 

quickly from setbacks.

•	 Strategic Thinking – Formulates objectives and priorities, and implements plans consistent with the long-term 

interests of the organization in a global environment. Capitalizes on opportunities and manages risks.

•	 Vision – Takes a long-term view and builds a shared vision with others; acts as a catalyst for organizational 

change. Influences others to translate vision into action.

ECQ 2: Leading People

Definition: This core qualification involves the ability to lead people toward meeting the organization’s vision, mission, 

and goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to provide an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of others, 

facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive resolution of conflicts.

•	 Conflict Management – Encourages creative tension and differences of opinions. Anticipates and takes steps to 

prevent counter-productive confrontations. Manages and resolves conflicts and disagreements in a constructive manner.

•	 Leveraging Diversity – Fosters an inclusive workplace where diversity and individual differences are valued and 

leveraged to achieve the vision and mission of the organization.

•	 Developing Others – Develops the ability of others to perform and contribute to the organization by providing 

ongoing feedback and by providing opportunities to learn through formal and informal methods.

•	 Team Building – Inspires and fosters team commitment, spirit, pride, and trust. Facilitates cooperation and 

motivates team members to accomplish group goals.

ECQ 3: Results Driven

Definition: This core qualification involves the ability to meet organizational goals and customer expectations. 

Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to make decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, 

2017 SES Exit Report 31
analyzing problems, and calculating risks.

•	 Accountability – Holds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective 

results. Determines objectives, sets priorities, and delegates work. Accepts responsibility for mistakes. 

Complies with established control systems and rules.

•	 Customer Service – Anticipates and meets the needs of both internal and external customers. Delivers highquality products and services; is committed to continuous improvement.

•	 Decisiveness – Makes well-informed, effective, and timely decisions, even when data are limited or solutions 

produce unpleasant consequences; perceives the impact and implications of decisions.

•	 Entrepreneurship – Positions the organization for future success by identifying new opportunities; builds the 

organization by developing or improving products or services. Takes calculated risks to accomplish organizational objectives.

•	 Problem Solving – Identifies and analyzes problems; weighs relevance and accuracy of information; generates 

and evaluates alternative solutions; makes recommendations.

•	 Technical Credibility – Understands and appropriately applies principles, procedures, requirements, regulations, and policies related to specialized expertise.

ECQ 4: Business Acumen

Definition: This core qualification involves the ability to manage human, financial, and information resources 

strategically.

•	 Financial Management – Understands the organization’s financial processes. Prepares, justifies, and administers the program budget. Oversees procurement and contracting to achieve desired results. Monitors 

expenditures and uses cost-benefit thinking to set priorities.

•	 Human Capital Management – Builds and manages workforce based on organizational goals, budget considerations, and staffing needs. Ensures that employees are appropriately recruited, selected, appraised, and 

rewarded; takes action to address performance problems. Manages a multi-sector workforce and a variety of 

work situations.

•	 Technology Management – Keeps up-to-date on technological developments. Makes effective use of technology to achieve results. Ensures access to and security of technology systems.

ECQ 5: Building Coalitions

Definition: This core qualification involves the ability to build coalitions internally and with other Federal agencies, 

State and local governments, nonprofit and private sector organizations, foreign governments, or international organizations to achieve common goals.

•	 Partnering – Develops networks and builds alliances; collaborates across boundaries to build strategic relationships and achieve common goals.

•	 Political Savvy – Identifies the internal and external politics that impact the work of the organization. Perceives 

organizational and political reality and acts accordingly.

•	 Influencing/Negotiating – Persuades others; builds consensus through give and take; gains cooperation from 

others to obtain information and accomplish goals.

32 2017 SES Exit Report 
Appendix 5: SES Onboarding Survey Instrument

U.S. Office of Personnel Management

SES Exit Survey

Dear Executive, 

OPM is conducting a Governmentwide exit survey for all departing SES members. The survey will be used to capture information 

regarding the circumstances under which you are choosing to leave your agency, and offer an opportunity for you to provide candid 

and confidential feedback about your work experience. This information will be used to support agency and governmentwide retention and succession planning efforts for current and future executives. 

The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. Your participation is voluntary and your responses are anonymous. Only 

aggregated information will be reported. 

Thank you for your participation. Your input is valued and appreciated. If you have any questions, please contact the OPM Training 

and Executive Development office at HRDLeadership@opm.gov.

This survey should take approximately 15 minutes to complete. Participation is voluntary and your responses are anonymous. Only 

aggregated information will be reported.

As you complete the survey, a bar at the bottom of each page will indicate your progress. When navigating through the survey, please 

use the buttons on the bottom of the survey pages and not your browser Back or Forward buttons. 

If you have any questions, please contact the OPM Training and Executive Development office at HRDLeadership@opm.gov.

1. Which of the following best describes the circumstances under which you are leaving your agency? 

o I am retiring. If they choose this answer, the next 3 options are provided for them to answer

o Voluntarily

o Involuntarily (Mandatory Retirement). —branch to #8

o Involuntarily for reasons other than Mandatory Retirement. —branch to #8

o I am resigning.

o I am transferring to another Federal agency.—branch to #4

o I am accepting a non-SES position within a Federal agency.—branch to #4

o I am leaving involuntarily. —branch to #8

o Other. Please specify: ___________________________________

2. Will you be working for pay after you leave your agency?

o Yes

o No, but I intend to look for employment in the near future

2017 SES Exit Report 33
o No—branch to #6

o Undecided—branch to #6

3. Which of the following best describes the type of organization you will be working for after you leave your agency: 

o Government contractor

o Private company, not a Government contractor

o Self-employed

o State or local government

o Non-profit organization

o Work as a reemployed annuitant for a Federal agency. If they choose this answer, the next 3 options are provided for them 

to answer

o With a dual compensation waiver

o Without a dual compensation waiver

o Under phased retirement options

o Other. Please specify: ___________________________________

4. Will you be working full-time or part-time?

o Full-Time

o Part-Time

5. Will your compensation increase, decrease, or stay the same?

o Increase

o Decrease 

o Stay the same

6. Was any effort made to encourage you to stay? 

o Yes. Please explain: ______________________________________

o No

o No, I was asked or encouraged to leave—branch to #8

7. What, if anything, would have encouraged you to stay? Select all that apply.

Work-Life Balance

34 2017 SES Exit Report 
o Relocation to a geographical location of your choice 

o Increased telework opportunity

o Flexible or part-time schedule 

o A change in job duties/responsibilities

o More comprehensive eldercare options 

o Better work-life balance 

 Increased Authority/Support

o Greater engagement from senior leadership

o Higher level position

o Greater scope of responsibility

o Increased autonomy in decision making

o Increased delegation of authority

o Increased funding/resources

o Increased support in dealing with poor performers

o Verbal encouragement to stay based on your value to the organization

 Developmental Opportunity

o Mobility assignment

o Sabbatical

o Coaching

o Executive development training

o Reassignment to a new job within the agency

Compensation and Benefits 

o Increase in pay

o Performance or other award 

o Retention incentive 

o Dual compensation waiver (if retiring)

o Student loan repayment

o Benefits

o Other. Please specify: ________________________________

o Nothing would have encouraged me to stay. Please explain:____________________________________—if selected, can’t 

select anything else.

2017 SES Exit Report 35
8. To what extent did each of the following contribute to your reasons for leaving the agency?

Scale: 1 - Not at all

2 - To a Small Extent

3- To a Moderate Extent 

4 - To a Great Extent

5 - To a Very Great Extent

NA - Not Applicable 

 Advancement and Recognition

o Lack of opportunities for development 1 2 3 4 5 NA

o Lack of opportunities for advancement 1 2 3 4 5 NA

o Lack of recognition for accomplishments 1 2 3 4 5 NA

o Performance evaluations 1 2 3 4 5 NA

 Work Environment

o Senior leadership 1 2 3 4 5 NA

o Political environment 1 2 3 4 5 NA

o Organizational culture 1 2 3 4 5 NA

o Job duties/responsibilities 1 2 3 4 5 NA

o Supervisory duties/responsibilities 1 2 3 4 5 NA

o Relationship with supervisor 1 2 3 4 5 NA

o Relationship with colleagues 1 2 3 4 5 NA

o Lack of autonomy in decision making 1 2 3 4 5 NA

 Work-Life Balance

o Geographic reassignment 1 2 3 4 5 NA

o Long work hours 1 2 3 4 5 NA

o Work hours not flexible 1 2 3 4 5 NA

o Workload 1 2 3 4 5 NA

o Job stress

o Commute 1 2 3 4 5 NA

 Personal Reasons

o More attractive job offer elsewhere 1 2 3 4 5 NA

o Desire to pursue education 1 2 3 4 5 NA

36 2017 SES Exit Report 
o Relocation 1 2 3 4 5 NA

o Personal health reasons 1 2 3 4 5 NA

o Care for a family member 1 2 3 4 5 NA

o Desire to leave the workforce 1 2 3 4 5 NA

o Desire to enjoy life without work commitments

 1 2 3 4 5 NA

 Compensation and Benefits 

o Insufficient pay 1 2 3 4 5 NA

o Unsatisfactory benefits 1 2 3 4 5 NA

o Lack of Awards 1 2 3 4 5 NA

9. Please describe your most important reason for leaving. ____________________________________

10. What performance rating (or equivalent) did you receive on your last performance appraisal?

o Outstanding

o Exceeds fully successful

o Fully successful

o Minimally satisfactory

o Unsatisfactory

o I did not receive a performance rating—branch to #12

o I prefer not to respond.

11. To what extent do you agree or disagree that this rating was a reflection of your performance?

o Strongly Agree

o Agree

o Neither Agree nor Disagree

o Disagree

o Strongly Disagree

o I prefer not to respond

12. Please rank the following Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) in order of importance to achieve success in your position? 1= 

Most Important for Success; 5 = Least Important for Success

o Leading Change

2017 SES Exit Report 37
o Leading People

o Results Driven

o Business Acumen

o Building Coalitions

13. I would recommend this agency to others as a good place to work. 

o Strongly Agree

o Agree

o Neither Agree nor Disagree

o Disagree

o Strongly Disagree

13a. Please explain your answer______________________________________________

14. I would recommend employment in the Senior Executive Service to others. 

o Strongly Agree

o Agree

o Neither Agree nor Disagree

o Disagree

o Strongly Disagree

14a. Please explain your answer______________________________________________

15. If possible, would you work for this agency in the future as an employee or contractor?

o Yes, part-time.

o Yes, full-time.

o Yes, for a short-term assignment.

o No.

The reporting of demographic information is optional and will only be reported to agencies in an aggregated format.

16. What type of agency do you work for? (A list of agencies will be provided)

38 2017 SES Exit Report 
o Cabinet Level Agency

o Please select your agency.

o Independent Agency

o Please select your agency.

16a. Do you work in an Office of the Inspector General?

o Yes

o No

16b.If you do not see your agency in the previous lists, please provide the name 

 of your agency below. ___________________________________________

17. How long have you worked in this agency? 

o Less than one year

o 1-3 years

o 4-5 years

o 6-10 years

o 11-20 years

o More than 20 years

18. How long have you been a member of the Senior Executive Service?

o Less than one year

o 1-3 years

o 4-5 years

o 6-10 years

o 11-20 years

o More than 20 years

19. What is your age group?

o Under 30

o 30-39

o 40-49

o 50-59

2017 SES Exit Report 39
o 60 or older

20. What type of appointment do you hold?

o Career 

o Non-Career

o Limited Term

o Limited Emergency

21. From where were you appointed to your senior position?

o From a Federal service position

o From the private sector

o From state or local government

o From military service

o From academia

o Reinstatement

o Other. Please specify:__________________

22. Please select the racial category or categories with which you most closely identify (mark as many as apply).

o American Indian or Alaska Native

o Asian

o Black or African American

o Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander

o White

23. Are you Hispanic or Latino?

o Yes

o No

24. Does your agency have any formal succession planning efforts for executives? (e.g., interviews/debriefs that took place prior to 

your departure to ensure smooth transition of your duties)

o Yes

o No

25. Have there been—or were there prior to your leaving—any efforts made to involve you in preparing your successor?

40 2017 SES Exit Report 
o Yes

o No

26. If given the opportunity, what would you have changed at your agency, in the Federal Government, or the SES?

27. What did you like best about working in your agency?

28. Please provide any other comments:

** If you are interested in serving as a mentor after your departure from the organization, please contact OPM’s Executive 

Resources office at 202-606-8046 or by email at HRDLeadership@opm.gov.

2017 SES Exit Report 41
U.S. Office of Personnel Management

Work-Life & Leadership and Executive Development

1900 E Street, NW, Washington, DC 20415

OPM.GOV

SESPM-WLLED-02925-07-17