MERIT SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD

2011 ANNUAL EMPLOYEE SURVEY RESULTS

1. Interpretation of results: An analysis of MSPB’s 2011 Federal Employee 

Viewpoint Survey (FEVS) results indicates that MSPB continues to be a leader in good 

employment practices. The 2011 survey findings suggest that MSPB employees are 

willing to put in extra effort to get the job done, perform high quality work, consider 

their work important, are constantly looking for better ways to do their jobs, and know 

how their work relates to the agency’s goals. The 2011 data also indicates an increase 

in perceptions that supervisors and team leaders are committed to a workforce that is 

representative of all segments of society. Additionally, the 2011 data show an 

improvement in employee satisfaction with work/life programs such as telework. This 

higher level of satisfaction with telework is not surprising, given that more than half of 

the agency reported that they telework to some extent, and another 16 percent reported 

that they do not telwork because they choose not to telework. 

However, the 2011 data shows room for improvement. The areas in which employees 

expressed their most negative views tended to be related to available resources, such as 

pay, awards, and training. Of all the questions asked in 2010 and 2011, the item that 

had the most dramatic decrease in positive opinions was the percent of employees who 

agreed that they have sufficient resources (for example, people, material, budget) to get 

the job done. 

2. How the survey was conducted: The survey was conducted online from April 4, 

2011 until May 15, 2011. An invitation to participate in the survey was sent via e-mail 

to all agency employees.

3. Description of sample: All 203 individuals employed by MSPB as of January 2011

were invited to participate in the survey.

4. Number of employees surveyed, number responded and representativeness of

respondents: The survey was distributed to 203 MSPB employees, of whom 143

responded for an overall response rate of 70.4%. Due to MSPB’s small size, we did not 

collect demographic information on the respondents to protect anonymity.
Page 1

MERIT SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD

2011 FEDERAL EMPLOYEE VIEWPOINT SURVEY RESULTS

(Survey Administration Period April 4, 2011 to May 15, 2011)

 

Percent 

Positive

Strongly 

Agree Agree

Neither 

Agree nor 

Disagree Disagree

Strongly 

Disagree

Item 

Response 

Total**

Do Not Know/ 

No Basis to 

Judge

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

organization.

N 36 66 19 12 9 142 NA

% 70.9 24.4 46.5 14.4 8.2 6.6 100.0 

2. I have enough information to do my job well. N 34 75 15 15 4 143 NA

% 75.9 23.4 52.5 10.9 10.7 2.5 100.0 

3. I feel encouraged to come up with new and better ways of doing 

things.

N 30 61 17 21 13 142 NA

% 61.4 20.5 40.9 13.7 15.9 9.0 100.0 

*4. My work gives me a feeling of personal accomplishment. N 62 54 9 10 8 143 NA

% 80.4 43.8 36.6 6.1 7.8 5.7 100.0 

*5. I like the kind of work I do. N 71 54 3 11 1 140 NA

% 89.4 51.6 37.8 1.7 8.2 0.7 100.0 

6. I know what is expected of me on the job. N 60 57 14 6 6 143 NA

% 81.4 42.4 39.0 10.3 4.2 4.1 100.0 

7. When needed I am willing to put in the extra effort to get a job 

done.

N 106 34 2 0 1 143 NA

% 97.6 74.2 23.4 1.7 0.0 0.7 100.0 

8. I am constantly looking for ways to do my job better. N 78 56 7 1 1 143 NA

% 93.7 54.6 39.1 5.0 0.7 0.7 100.0 

9. I have sufficient resources (for example, people, materials, budget) 

to get my job done.

N 16 49 31 30 16 142 1

% 46.2 10.3 35.9 22.5 20.5 10.9 100.0 

*10. My workload is reasonable. N 20 55 25 27 14 141 1

% 52.1 15.1 37.0 19.4 19.3 9.3 100.0 

*11. My talents are used well in the workplace. N 35 64 13 13 14 139 1

% 71.6 26.0 45.6 9.0 9.7 9.8 100.0 

*12. I know how my work relates to the agency's goals and priorities. N 74 54 9 2 2 141 1

% 90.1 51.9 38.2 6.2 1.9 1.8 100.0 

*13. The work I do is important. N 82 52 5 1 0 140 1

% 95.8 59.7 36.1 3.5 0.7 0.0 100.0 

*14. Physical conditions (for example, noise level, temperature, 

lighting, cleanliness in the workplace) allow employees to perform 

their jobs well.

N 64 59 12 3 1 139 1

% 88.2 42.6 45.5 9.4 1.8 0.6 100.0

 

*15. My performance appraisal is a fair reflection of my performance. N 61 50 10 8 9 138 5

% 81.4 43.9 37.5 6.6 5.5 6.5 100.0 

16. I am held accountable for achieving results. N 73 55 10 3 1 142 1

% 89.6 51.7 37.8 7.6 2.1 0.7 100.0 

*AES prescribed items

** Sum of responses excluding DNK/NBJ

Sample or Census: Census

Number of Employees Selected: 203

Percentages are weighted to represent the Agency's population.

Surveys Completed: 143

Response Rate: 70.4%
Page 2

MERIT SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD

2011 FEDERAL EMPLOYEE VIEWPOINT SURVEY RESULTS

(Survey Administration Period April 4, 2011 to May 15, 2011)

 

Percent 

Positive

Strongly 

Agree Agree

Neither 

Agree nor 

Disagree Disagree

Strongly 

Disagree

Item 

Response 

Total**

Do Not Know/ 

No Basis to 

Judge

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

without fear of reprisal.

N 42 42 28 8 12 132 10

% 62.3 32.7 29.6 22.0 6.9 8.9 100.0 

*18. My training needs are assessed. N 15 44 34 32 11 136 5

% 41.6 11.9 29.7 25.0 25.1 8.2 100.0 

*19. In my most recent performance appraisal, I understood what I had 

to do to be rated at different performance levels (for example, 

Fully Successful, Outstanding).

N 52 54 16 6 8 136 5

% 78.5 40.0 38.6 11.2 4.9 5.3 100.0

 

*20. The people I work with cooperate to get the job done. N 49 65 15 10 2 141 NA

% 80.7 35.7 45.0 10.9 7.2 1.2 100.0 

*21. My work unit is able to recruit people with the right skills. N 34 42 35 15 9 135 8

% 56.9 25.9 31.0 25.6 11.3 6.1 100.0 

*22. Promotions in my work unit are based on merit. N 32 37 30 12 14 125 17

% 54.8 24.5 30.3 24.8 9.8 10.5 100.0 

*23. In my work unit, steps are taken to deal with a poor performer who 

cannot or will not improve.

N 17 54 27 20 4 122 21

% 55.4 13.3 42.1 23.3 17.6 3.7 100.0 

*24. In my work unit, differences in performance are recognized in a 

meaningful way.

N 22 37 34 23 16 132 11

% 43.2 15.6 27.6 25.1 19.4 12.4 100.0 

25. Awards in my work unit depend on how well employees perform 

their jobs.

N 34 42 27 12 11 126 16

% 58.8 26.9 31.9 22.4 10.1 8.7 100.0 

26. Employees in my work unit share job knowledge with each other. N 57 54 12 9 8 140 2

% 78.8 42.8 36.0 9.4 6.1 5.7 100.0 

27. The skill level in my work unit has improved in the past year. N 30 45 42 7 8 132 9

% 56.6 22.4 34.2 32.1 5.2 6.1 100.0 

 

Percent 

Positive Very Good Good Fair Poor Very Poor

Item 

Response 

Total**

Do Not Know/ 

No Basis to 

Judge

28. How would you rate the overall quality of work done by your work 

unit?

N 85 45 11 1 1 143 NA

% 91.0 58.8 32.2 7.7 0.7 0.7 100.0 

 

Percent 

Positive

Strongly 

Agree Agree

Neither 

Agree nor 

Disagree Disagree

Strongly 

Disagree

Item 

Response 

Total**

Do Not Know/ 

No Basis to 

Judge

*29. The workforce has the job-relevant knowledge and skills necessary 

to accomplish organizational goals.

N 49 69 10 7 3 138 4

% 85.6 36.5 49.1 6.9 5.6 2.0 100.0 

*AES prescribed items

** Sum of responses excluding DNK/NBJ

Sample or Census: Census

Number of Employees Selected: 203

Percentages are weighted to represent the Agency's population.

Surveys Completed: 143

Response Rate: 70.4%
Page 3

MERIT SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD

2011 FEDERAL EMPLOYEE VIEWPOINT SURVEY RESULTS

(Survey Administration Period April 4, 2011 to May 15, 2011)

 

Percent 

Positive

Strongly 

Agree Agree

Neither 

Agree nor 

Disagree Disagree

Strongly 

Disagree

Item 

Response 

Total**

Do Not Know/ 

No Basis to 

Judge

*30. Employees have a feeling of personal empowerment with respect 

to work processes.

N 23 69 17 20 8 137 5

% 66.0 16.8 49.2 13.2 15.5 5.3 100.0 

31. Employees are recognized for providing high quality products and 

services.

N 30 61 25 14 7 137 5

% 65.3 20.8 44.5 19.2 10.4 5.0 100.0 

*32. Creativity and innovation are rewarded. N 22 35 38 23 12 130 6

% 40.7 16.3 24.5 30.2 19.9 9.1 100.0 

*33. Pay raises depend on how well employees perform their jobs. N 15 35 38 27 9 124 16

% 38.7 12.8 25.9 31.6 22.8 7.0 100.0 

34. Policies and programs promote diversity in the workplace (for 

example, recruiting minorities and women, training in awareness 

of diversity issues, mentoring).

N 37 58 24 7 6 132 10

% 71.3 27.5 43.8 18.6 5.5 4.5 100.0

 

*35. Employees are protected from health and safety hazards on the job. N 52 61 19 6 1 139 3

% 79.8 37.7 42.2 14.0 5.5 0.7 100.0 

*36. My organization has prepared employees for potential security 

threats.

N 32 73 23 5 7 140 1

% 73.5 24.3 49.1 17.1 3.9 5.5 100.0 

37. Arbitrary action, personal favoritism and coercion for partisan 

political purposes are not tolerated.

N 38 49 27 10 11 135 7

% 63.6 28.9 34.7 20.9 7.9 7.6 100.0 

38. Prohibited Personnel Practices (for example, illegally 

discriminating for or against any employee/applicant, obstructing a 

person's right to compete for employment, knowingly violating 

veterans' preference requirements) are not tolerated.

N 45 51 24 3 6 129 11

% 73.8 35.2 38.7 19.2 2.4 4.6 100.0

 

39. My agency is successful at accomplishing its mission. N 57 62 12 2 4 137 3

% 86.6 41.1 45.5 9.0 1.3 3.1 100.0 

40. I recommend my organization as a good place to work. N 54 54 15 9 8 140 NA

% 76.1 38.9 37.2 11.7 6.6 5.6 100.0 

41. I believe the results of this survey will be used to make my agency 

a better place to work.

N 28 42 39 9 9 127 14

% 53.6 22.8 30.8 31.8 7.8 6.9 100.0 

*42. My supervisor supports my need to balance work and other life 

issues.

N 69 50 11 7 4 141 1

% 84.6 50.1 34.6 7.8 5.0 2.6 100.0 

43. My supervisor/team leader provides me with opportunities to 

demonstrate my leadership skills.

N 50 42 21 18 8 139 3

% 66.3 35.9 30.4 15.1 13.1 5.6 100.0 

*44. Discussions with my supervisor/team leader about my performance 

are worthwhile.

N 48 51 16 14 12 141 0

% 70.9 33.9 37.0 10.9 9.8 8.4 100.0 

*AES prescribed items

** Sum of responses excluding DNK/NBJ

Sample or Census: Census

Number of Employees Selected: 203

Percentages are weighted to represent the Agency's population.

Surveys Completed: 143

Response Rate: 70.4%
Page 4

MERIT SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD

2011 FEDERAL EMPLOYEE VIEWPOINT SURVEY RESULTS

(Survey Administration Period April 4, 2011 to May 15, 2011)

 

Percent 

Positive

Strongly 

Agree Agree

Neither 

Agree nor 

Disagree Disagree

Strongly 

Disagree

Item 

Response 

Total**

Do Not Know/ 

No Basis to 

Judge

45. My supervisor/team leader is committed to a workforce 

representative of all segments of society.

N 55 44 21 4 3 127 13

% 77.5 43.2 34.3 17.2 3.2 2.2 100.0 

46. My supervisor/team leader provides me with constructive 

suggestions to improve my job performance.

N 45 52 17 14 11 139 2

% 70.1 32.1 38.0 11.6 10.3 7.9 100.0 

*47. Supervisors/team leaders in my work unit support employee 

development.

N 45 46 30 9 8 138 2

% 65.4 32.0 33.4 22.7 6.4 5.5 100.0 

48. My supervisor/team leader listens to what I have to say. N 67 46 15 5 8 141 NA

% 79.8 47.1 32.8 11.3 3.6 5.3 100.0 

49. My supervisor/team leader treats me with respect. N 76 42 11 8 4 141 NA

% 83.8 53.7 30.1 7.8 5.8 2.6 100.0 

50. In the last six months, my supervisor/team leader has talked with 

me about my performance.

N 62 57 7 10 3 139 NA

% 86.4 45.0 41.4 4.6 6.9 2.0 100.0 

*51. I have trust and confidence in my supervisor. N 66 34 21 9 11 141 NA

% 71.1 46.8 24.3 15.1 6.5 7.3 100.0 

 

Percent 

Positive Very Good Good Fair Poor Very Poor

Item 

Response 

Total**

Do Not Know/ 

No Basis to 

Judge

*52. Overall, how good a job do you feel is being done by your 

immediate supervisor/team leader?

N 64 40 23 7 7 141 NA

% 73.4 45.4 28.1 16.9 5.0 4.7 100.0 

 

Percent 

Positive

Strongly 

Agree Agree

Neither 

Agree nor 

Disagree Disagree

Strongly 

Disagree

Item 

Response 

Total**

Do Not Know/ 

No Basis to 

Judge

*53. In my organization, leaders generate high levels of motivation and 

commitment in the workforce.

N 29 53 28 16 13 139 1

% 55.4 20.1 35.3 23.0 11.8 9.8 100.0 

54. My organization's leaders maintain high standards of honesty and 

integrity.

N 41 46 27 9 10 133 7

% 62.9 29.9 33.0 22.6 6.7 7.7 100.0 

*55. Managers/supervisors/team leaders work well with employees of 

different backgrounds.

N 38 50 31 9 4 132 7

% 65.1 28.3 36.8 25.0 6.9 2.9 100.0 

*56. Managers communicate the goals and priorities of the 

organization.

N 36 60 30 8 6 140 0

% 67.2 25.5 41.8 23.2 5.2 4.3 100.0 

*57. Managers review and evaluate the organization's progress toward 

meeting its goals and objectives.

N 37 58 24 6 5 130 8

% 72.5 27.8 44.7 19.4 4.5 3.6 100.0 

*AES prescribed items

** Sum of responses excluding DNK/NBJ

Sample or Census: Census

Number of Employees Selected: 203

Percentages are weighted to represent the Agency's population.

Surveys Completed: 143

Response Rate: 70.4%
Page 5

MERIT SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD

2011 FEDERAL EMPLOYEE VIEWPOINT SURVEY RESULTS

(Survey Administration Period April 4, 2011 to May 15, 2011)

 

Percent 

Positive

Strongly 

Agree Agree

Neither 

Agree nor 

Disagree Disagree

Strongly 

Disagree

Item 

Response 

Total**

Do Not Know/ 

No Basis to 

Judge

58. Managers promote communication among different work units (for 

example, about projects, goals, needed resources).

N 26 61 28 13 10 138 2

% 59.5 17.9 41.6 23.1 10.2 7.2 100.0 

59. Managers support collaboration across work units to accomplish 

work objectives.

N 27 58 29 12 9 135 4

% 59.9 19.1 40.8 23.3 10.1 6.7 100.0 

 

Percent 

Positive Very Good Good Fair Poor Very Poor

Item 

Response 

Total**

Do Not Know/ 

No Basis to 

Judge

60. Overall, how good a job do you feel is being done by the manager 

directly above your immediate supervisor/team leader?

N 40 45 36 8 8 137 2

% 60.7 28.7 32.1 26.8 6.3 6.2 100.0 

 

Percent 

Positive

Strongly 

Agree Agree

Neither 

Agree nor 

Disagree Disagree

Strongly 

Disagree

Item 

Response 

Total**

Do Not Know/ 

No Basis to 

Judge

*61. I have a high level of respect for my organization's senior leaders. N 45 52 28 8 7 140 0

% 65.6 31.3 34.3 21.9 6.4 6.1 100.0 

62. Senior leaders demonstrate support for Work/Life programs. N 46 56 21 4 4 131 9

% 75.3 34.4 40.9 18.9 3.0 2.8 100.0 

 

Percent 

Positive

Very 

Satisfied Satisfied

Neither 

Satisfied nor 

Dissatisfied Dissatisfied

Very 

Dissatisfied

Item 

Response 

Total**

Do Not Know/ 

No Basis to 

Judge

*63. How satisfied are you with your involvement in decisions that 

affect your work?

N 26 51 33 18 11 139 NA

% 53.9 17.9 36.0 25.4 12.8 8.0 100.0 

*64. How satisfied are you with the information you receive from 

management on what's going on in your organization?

N 21 63 34 11 11 140 NA

% 58.9 12.9 46.0 25.2 8.7 7.3 100.0 

*65. How satisfied are you with the recognition you receive for doing a 

good job?

N 38 53 24 16 7 138 NA

% 64.2 26.8 37.4 18.3 12.3 5.2 100.0 

*66. How satisfied are you with the policies and practices of your senior 

leaders?

N 27 54 36 16 6 139 NA

% 55.2 18.2 37.0 27.0 13.3 4.5 100.0 

*67. How satisfied are you with your opportunity to get a better job in 

your organization?

N 20 28 51 24 15 138 NA

% 33.8 15.1 18.6 38.6 17.0 10.6 100.0 

*68. How satisfied are you with the training you receive for your 

present job?

N 16 56 35 21 11 139 NA

% 49.1 11.4 37.7 27.2 15.9 7.8 100.0 

*AES prescribed items

** Sum of responses excluding DNK/NBJ

Sample or Census: Census

Number of Employees Selected: 203

Percentages are weighted to represent the Agency's population.

Surveys Completed: 143

Response Rate: 70.4%
Page 6

MERIT SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD

2011 FEDERAL EMPLOYEE VIEWPOINT SURVEY RESULTS

(Survey Administration Period April 4, 2011 to May 15, 2011)

 

Percent 

Positive

Very 

Satisfied Satisfied

Neither 

Satisfied nor 

Dissatisfied Dissatisfied

Very 

Dissatisfied

Item 

Response 

Total

Do Not Know/ 

No Basis to 

Judge

*69. Considering everything, how satisfied are you with your job? N 42 64 14 11 7 138 NA

% 75.7 30.3 45.3 11.4 8.4 4.6 100.0 

*70. Considering everything, how satisfied are you with your pay? N 31 61 25 14 8 139 NA

% 65.3 21.2 44.2 17.3 11.3 6.1 100.0 

71. Considering everything, how satisfied are you with your 

organization?

N 39 68 15 9 8 139 NA

% 74.4 27.1 47.3 11.9 7.4 6.3 100.0 

72. Have you been notified that you are eligible to telework? Telework 

means working at a location other than your normal work site 

during your regular work hours (excludes travel). N %

Yes 89 64.5

No 47 33.4

Not sure 3 2.1

Total 139 100.0

73. Please select the response below that BEST describes your current 

teleworking situation: N %

I telework 3 or more days per week. 7 4.5

I telework 1 or 2 days per week. 42 30.7

I telework, but no more than 1 or 2 days per month. 10 7.6

I telework very infrequently, on an unscheduled or short-term basis. 18 11.6

I do not telework because I have to be physically present on the job (e.g., Law 

Enforcement Officers, Park Rangers, Security Personnel).

17 12.5

I do not telework because I have technical issues (e.g., connectivity, inadequate 

equipment) that prevent me from teleworking.

3 1.8

I do not telework because I did not receive approval to do so, even though I have the kind 

of job where I can telework.

21 15.4

I do not telework because I choose not to telework. 20 15.9

Total 138 100.0

*AES prescribed items 

Sample or Census: Census

Number of Employees Selected: 203

Percentages are weighted to represent the Agency's population.

Surveys Completed: 143

Response Rate: 70.4%
Page 7

MERIT SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD

2011 FEDERAL EMPLOYEE VIEWPOINT SURVEY RESULTS

(Survey Administration Period April 4, 2011 to May 15, 2011)

74. Do you participate in the following Work/Life programs? 

Alternative Work Schedules (AWS) N %

Yes 71 51.8

No 54 38.4

Not available to me 14 9.8

Total 139 100.0

75. Do you participate in the following Work/Life programs? Health 

and Wellness Programs (for example, exercise, medical screening, 

quit smoking programs) N %

Yes 46 31.9

No 77 56.5

Not available to me 16 11.6

Total 139 100.0

76. Do you participate in the following Work/Life programs? 

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) N %

Yes 11 7.2

No 124 90.3

Not available to me 3 2.5

Total 138 100.0

77. Do you participate in the following Work/Life programs? Child 

Care Programs (for example, daycare, parenting classes, parenting 

support groups) N %

Yes 1 0.6

No 104 74.3

Not available to me 34 25.1

Total 139 100.0

78. Do you participate in the following Work/Life programs? Elder 

Care Programs (for example, support groups, speakers) N %

Yes 1 0.6

No 100 71.4

Not available to me 37 27.9

Total 138 100.0

Sample or Census: Census 

Number of Employees Selected: 203

Percentages are weighted to represent the Agency's population.

Surveys Completed: 143

Response Rate: 70.4%
Page 8

MERIT SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD

2011 FEDERAL EMPLOYEE VIEWPOINT SURVEY RESULTS

(Survey Administration Period April 4, 2011 to May 15, 2011)

 

Percent 

Positive

Very 

Satisfied Satisfied

Neither 

Satisfied nor 

Dissatisfied Dissatisfied

Very 

Dissatisfied

Item 

Response 

Total**

Do Not Know/ 

No Basis to 

Judge

79. How satisfied are you with the following Work/Life programs in 

your agency? Telework

N 36 41 18 8 7 110 30

% 71.1 31.5 39.6 16.2 6.1 6.5 100.0 

80. How satisfied are you with the following Work/Life programs in 

your agency? Alternative Work Schedules (AWS)

N 47 39 9 2 3 100 40

% 86.6 49.2 37.4 8.6 1.7 3.1 100.0 

81. How satisfied are you with the following Work/Life programs in 

your agency? Health and Wellness Programs (for example, 

exercise, medical screening, quit smoking programs)

N 11 35 27 3 3 79 61

% 54.7 13.8 40.9 38.0 3.2 4.1 100.0

 

82. How satisfied are you with the following Work/Life programs in 

your agency? Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

N 6 25 23 1 0 55 83

% 52.3 11.6 40.7 45.9 1.8 0.0 100.0 

83. How satisfied are you with the following Work/Life programs in 

your agency? Child Care Programs (for example, daycare, 

parenting classes, parenting support groups)

N 0 4 22 1 3 30 110

% 12.8 0.0 12.8 73.6 4.4 9.2 100.0

 

84. How satisfied are you with the following Work/Life programs in 

your agency? Elder Care Programs (for example, support groups, 

speakers)

N 0 4 22 0 3 29 111

% 13.4 0.0 13.4 77.4 0.0 9.2 100.0

 

** Sum of responses excluding DNK/NBJ 

Sample or Census: Census

Number of Employees Selected: 203

Percentages are weighted to represent the Agency's population.

Surveys Completed: 143

Response Rate: 70.4%