MERIT SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD 

2009 ANNUAL EMPLOYEE SURVEY RESULTS 

1. Interpretation of results: An analysis of MSPB's 2009 Annual Employee Survey 

(AES) results indicates that MSPB's performance continues to be strong. As in 

previous surveys, the findings suggest that MSPB employees have a clear sense of 

mission and enjoy and find value in their jobs. Furthermore, they continue to feel that 

the workforce has the necessary knowledge and collaborative relationships to produce 

quality work. 

MSPB compared the 2009 FHCS responses to the responses on the 2008, 2007, 2006, 

and 2004 annual employee surveys. Overall the results were fairly stable. There were 

some areas of improvement from previous years, including satisfaction with training, 

pay, as well as the information employees receive from management on what is going 

on with their organization. 

There were some areas that bear further consideration due to a decrease in positive 

opinions. MSPB examined how the survey responses cluster into the four major indices 

of the Human Capital Assessment and Accountability Framework (HCAAF) developed 

by the Office of Personnel Management. OPM's metrics for the HCAAF systems 

include four major indices based on items required in the annual employee survey: 

Leadership and Knowledge Management, Results-Oriented Performance Culture, Talent 

Management and Job Satisfaction. In comparing the 2008 and 2009 indices, there was 

no significant change in terms of Talent Management and Job Satisfaction. However, 

we did see a slight decrease in the areas of Leadership and Knowledge Management and 

Results-Oriented Performance Culture. MSPB will look more closely at what might be 

contributing to these changes to determine what actions may be necessary. 

2. How the survey was conducted: 

The survey was conducted online from September 29, 2009 until November 17, 2009. 

An invitation to participate in the survey was sent via e-mail to all agency employees. 

3. Description of sample: 

All 215 agency employees (as of September 14, 2009) were invited to participate in the 

survey. 
2

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

respondents: 

The survey was distributed to 215 MSPB employees, of whom 170 responded for an 

overall response rate of 79%. Due to MSPB's size, we did not collect demographic 

information on the respondents to protect anonymity. 
Response 

Percent

Response 

Count

44.6% 75

44.0% 74

4.2% 7

5.4% 9

1.8% 3

168

2

Response 

Percent

Response 

Count

32.7% 55

39.3% 66

13.7% 23

9.5% 16

4.8% 8

168

2

Response 

Percent

Response 

Count

39.4% 65

43.0% 71

10.3% 17

3.6% 6

3.6% 6

165

5

Response 

Percent

Response 

Count

47.9% 80

38.9% 65

10.2% 17

2.4% 4

0.6% 1

167

3

MSPB Annual Employee Survey 2009

Neither Agree Nor Disagree

Answer Options

Strongly Disagree

Agree

skipped question

1. The people I work with cooperate to get the job done.

Disagree

Strongly Agree

answered question

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

Answer Options

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neither Agree Nor Disagree

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

answered question

skipped question

3. My work gives me a feeling of personal accomplishment.

Answer Options

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neither Agree Nor Disagree

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

answered question

skipped question

4. I like the kind of work I do.

Answer Options

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neither Agree Nor Disagree

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

answered question

skipped question
Response 

Percent

Response 

Count

36.0% 59

31.7% 52

18.3% 30

4.3% 7

9.8% 16

164

6

Response 

Percent

Response 

Count

38.2% 63

33.9% 56

17.0% 28

6.1% 10

4.8% 8

165

5

Response 

Percent

Response 

Count

43.5% 73

39.9% 67

7.7% 13

5.4% 9

2.4% 4

1.2% 2

168

2

Response 

Percent

Response 

Count

29.8% 50

41.7% 70

12.5% 21

7.1% 12

6.0% 10

3.0% 5

168

2

5. I have trust and confidence in my supervisor.

Answer Options

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neither Agree Nor Disagree

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

answered question

skipped question

6. Overall, how good a job do you feel is being done by your immediate 

supervisor/team leader?

Answer Options

Very Good

Good

Fair

Poor

Very Poor

answered question

skipped question

7. The workforce has the job-relevant knowledge and skills necessary to 

accomplish organizational goals.

Answer Options

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neither Agree Nor Disagree

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Do Not Know

answered question

skipped question

8. My work unit is able to recruit people with the right skills.

Answer Options

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neither Agree Nor Disagree

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Do Not Know

answered question

skipped question
Response 

Percent

Response 

Count

61.9% 104

31.5% 53

3.6% 6

1.2% 2

1.8% 3

0.0% 0

168

2

Response 

Percent

Response 

Count

64.3% 108

28.0% 47

3.6% 6

3.0% 5

0.0% 0

1.2% 2

168

2

Response 

Percent

Response 

Count

46.7% 78

38.9% 65

9.6% 16

3.0% 5

1.8% 3

0.0% 0

167

3

Response 

Percent

Response 

Count

34.5% 58

39.3% 66

8.9% 15

10.1% 17

6.0% 10

1.2% 2

168

2

answered question

skipped question

10. The work I do is important.

Neither Agree Nor Disagree

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Do Not Know

9. I know how my work relates to the agency's goals and priorities.

Answer Options

Strongly Agree

Agree

Answer Options

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neither Agree Nor Disagree

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Do Not Know

answered question

skipped question

11. Physical conditions (for example, noise level, temperature, lighting, 

cleanliness in the workplace) allow employees to perform their jobs well.

Answer Options

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neither Agree Nor Disagree

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Do Not Know

answered question

skipped question

12. Supervisors/team leaders in my work unit support employee development.

Answer Options

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neither Agree Nor Disagree

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Do Not Know

answered question

skipped question
Response 

Percent

Response 

Count

34.7% 58

35.9% 60

11.4% 19

10.8% 18

7.2% 12

0.0% 0

167

3

Response 

Percent

Response 

Count

18.0% 30

37.1% 62

27.5% 46

12.0% 20

4.8% 8

0.6% 1

167

3

Response 

Percent

Response 

Count

25.0% 42

28.0% 47

20.8% 35

11.3% 19

7.1% 12

7.7% 13

168

2

Response 

Percent

Response 

Count

10.1% 17

29.8% 50

29.2% 49

10.1% 17

8.9% 15

11.9% 20

168

2

13. My talents are used well in the workplace.

Answer Options

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neither Agree Nor Disagree

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Do Not Know

answered question

skipped question

14. My training needs are assessed.

Answer Options

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neither Agree Nor Disagree

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Do Not Know

answered question

skipped question

15. Promotions in my work unit are based on merit. 

Answer Options

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neither Agree Nor Disagree

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Do Not Know

answered question

skipped question

16. In my work unit, steps are taken to deal with a poor performer who cannot 

or will not improve.

Answer Options

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neither Agree Nor Disagree

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Do Not Know

answered question

skipped question
Response 

Percent

Response 

Count

20.4% 34

32.9% 55

21.0% 35

13.2% 22

7.8% 13

4.8% 8

167

3

Response 

Percent

Response 

Count

28.9% 48

42.8% 71

12.0% 20

6.6% 11

3.0% 5

6.6% 11

166

4

Response 

Percent

Response 

Count

16.2% 27

26.9% 45

24.0% 40

13.8% 23

7.8% 13

11.4% 19

167

3

17. Creativity and innovation are rewarded.

Answer Options

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neither Agree Nor Disagree

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Do Not Know

answered question

skipped question

18. In my most recent performance appraisal, I understood what I had to do to 

be rated at different performance levels (e.g., Fully Successful, Outstanding).

Answer Options

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neither Agree Nor Disagree

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

No Basis to Judge

answered question

skipped question

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

meaningful way.

Answer Options

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neither Agree Nor Disagree

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Do Not Know

answered question

skipped question
Response 

Percent

Response 

Count

16.9% 28

23.5% 39

28.3% 47

13.3% 22

7.2% 12

10.8% 18

166

4

Response 

Percent

Response 

Count

29.9% 50

42.5% 71

13.2% 22

6.0% 10

3.0% 5

5.4% 9

167

3

Response 

Percent

Response 

Count

22.0% 36

40.2% 66

20.7% 34

10.4% 17

6.1% 10

0.6% 1

164

6

Response 

Percent

Response 

Count

34.1% 57

35.3% 59

15.0% 25

5.4% 9

6.6% 11

3.6% 6

167

3

20. Pay raises depend on how well employees perform their jobs.

Answer Options

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neither Agree Nor Disagree

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Do Not Know

answered question

skipped question

21. My performance appraisal is a fair reflection of my performance.

Answer Options

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neither Agree Nor Disagree

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Do Not Know

answered question

skipped question

22. Discussions with my supervisor/team leader about my performance are 

worthwhile.

Answer Options

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neither Agree Nor Disagree

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Do Not Know

answered question

skipped question

23. Managers/supervisors/team leaders work well with employees of different 

backgrounds.

Answer Options

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neither Agree Nor Disagree

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Do Not Know

answered question

skipped question
Response 

Percent

Response 

Count

50.3% 84

31.1% 52

10.8% 18

4.8% 8

2.4% 4

0.6% 1

167

3

Response 

Percent

Response 

Count

21.4% 36

36.9% 62

19.0% 32

10.1% 17

10.7% 18

1.8% 3

168

2

Response 

Percent

Response 

Count

16.1% 27

30.4% 51

28.0% 47

11.3% 19

11.9% 20

2.4% 4

168

2

Response 

Percent

Response 

Count

22.2% 37

42.5% 71

21.6% 36

4.8% 8

3.0% 5

6.0% 10

167

3

24. My supervisor supports my need to balance work and family issues.

Answer Options

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neither Agree Nor Disagree

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Do Not Know

answered question

skipped question

25. I have a high level of respect for my organization's senior leaders.

Answer Options

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neither Agree Nor Disagree

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Do Not Know

answered question

skipped question

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

commitment in the workforce.

Answer Options

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neither Agree Nor Disagree

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Do Not Know

answered question

skipped question

27. Managers review and evaluate the organization's progress toward meeting 

its goals and objectives.

Answer Options

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neither Agree Nor Disagree

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Do Not Know

answered question

skipped question
Response 

Percent

Response 

Count

36.9% 62

44.0% 74

13.7% 23

2.4% 4

1.8% 3

1.2% 2

168

2

Response 

Percent

Response 

Count

20.2% 34

32.7% 55

25.0% 42

9.5% 16

7.7% 13

4.8% 8

168

2

Response 

Percent

Response 

Count

17.9% 30

57.7% 97

12.5% 21

5.4% 9

6.5% 11

0.0% 0

168

2

Response 

Percent

Response 

Count

24.4% 41

48.8% 82

14.9% 25

7.7% 13

3.6% 6

0.6% 1

168

2

28. Employees are protected from health and safety hazards on the job.

Answer Options

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neither Agree Nor Disagree

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Do Not Know

answered question

skipped question

29. Employees have a feeling of personal empowerment with respect to work 

processes.

Answer Options

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neither Agree Nor Disagree

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Do Not Know

answered question

skipped question

30. My workload is reasonable.

Answer Options

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neither Agree Nor Disagree

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Do Not Know

answered question

skipped question

31. Managers communicate the goals and priorities of the organization.

Answer Options

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neither Agree Nor Disagree

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Do Not Know

answered question

skipped question
Response 

Percent

Response 

Count

19.8% 33

43.7% 73

18.0% 30

14.4% 24

3.6% 6

0.6% 1

167

3

Response 

Percent

Response 

Count

16.2% 27

48.5% 81

17.4% 29

10.8% 18

7.2% 12

167

3

Response 

Percent

Response 

Count

16.7% 28

36.3% 61

24.4% 41

13.1% 22

9.5% 16

168

2

Response 

Percent

Response 

Count

10.4% 17

24.4% 40

39.0% 64

15.2% 25

11.0% 18

164

6

32. My organization has prepared employees for potential security threats.

Answer Options

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neither Agree Nor Disagree

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Do Not Know

answered question

skipped question

33. How satisfied are you with the information you receive from management 

on what's going on in your organization?

Answer Options

Very Satisfied

Satisfied

Neither Satisfied Nor Dissatisfied

Dissatisfied

Very Dissatisfied

answered question

skipped question

34. How satisfied are you with your involvement in decisions that affect your 

work?

Answer Options

Very Satisfied

Satisfied

Neither Satisfied Nor Dissatisfied

Dissatisfied

Very Dissatisfied

answered question

skipped question

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

organization?

Answer Options

Very Satisfied

Satisfied

Neither Satisfied Nor Dissatisfied

Dissatisfied

Very Dissatisfied

answered question

skipped question
Response 

Percent

Response 

Count

30.7% 51

33.7% 56

17.5% 29

12.0% 20

6.0% 10

166

4

Response 

Percent

Response 

Count

17.0% 28

29.7% 49

29.7% 49

12.7% 21

10.9% 18

165

5

Response 

Percent

Response 

Count

23.5% 39

46.4% 77

18.1% 30

7.8% 13

4.2% 7

166

4

Response 

Percent

Response 

Count

34.7% 58

38.9% 65

11.4% 19

12.0% 20

3.0% 5

167

3

36. How satisfied are you with the recognition you receive for doing a good 

job?

Answer Options

Very Satisfied

Satisfied

Neither Satisfied Nor Dissatisfied

Dissatisfied

Very Dissatisfied

answered question

skipped question

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

leaders?

Answer Options

Very Satisfied

Satisfied

Neither Satisfied Nor Dissatisfied

Dissatisfied

Very Dissatisfied

answered question

skipped question

38. How satisfied are you with the training you receive for your present job?

Answer Options

Very Satisfied

Satisfied

Neither Satisfied Nor Dissatisfied

Dissatisfied

Very Dissatisfied

answered question

skipped question

39. Considering everything, how satisfied are you with your job?

Answer Options

Very Satisfied

Satisfied

Neither Satisfied Nor Dissatisfied

Dissatisfied

Very Dissatisfied

answered question

skipped question
Response 

Percent

Response 

Count

24.4% 41

46.4% 78

11.9% 20

13.7% 23

3.6% 6

168

2

40. Considering everything, how satisfied are you with your pay?

Answer Options

Very Satisfied

Satisfied

skipped question

Neither Satisfied Nor Dissatisfied

Dissatisfied

Very Dissatisfied

answered question