U.S. Railroad Retirement Board 2017 Federal Employee Viewpoint	 844 N. Rush St. 

Chicago, IL 60611-2092 Survey Results 

Phone: (312) 751-7139 

TTY: (312) 751-4701 

Web: http://www.rrb.gov 

U.S. Railroad Retirement Board
 

Annual Employee Survey Results, 2017
 

(Survey Administration Period 5/4/17-6/15/17)
 

1. Interpretation of Results: Once again, the responses to the employee survey are positive. 

We were pleased that of the 870 employees invited to participate, 449 completed the survey, for 

a response rate of 52 percent in 2017, an increase of 14 percent from last year. Fifty five 

survey items increased since 2016 while only 11 survey items decreased since 2016. 

Additionally, 41 survey items were identified as strengths (65% positive or higher) while only 

one survey item was identified as a challenge (35% negative or higher). We are pleased to 

report that our Engagement Index score met the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) goal 

for 2017 (69%) and met or exceeded the governmentwide score in all areas (Overall, Leaders 

Lead, Supervisors, and Intrinsic Work Experience). 

Based on OPM’s guideline for determining notable results, we scored especially high (greater 

than 65% favorable—Strongly Agree/Agree) on the majority of the items for questions 

measuring personal work experiences. Over 93% of the respondents think the work they do is 

important (question 13) and about 86% know how their work relates to the agency’s goals and 

priorities (question 12). Seventy-two percent of respondents feel their work gives them a feeling 

of personal accomplishment (question 4). Almost 80% of respondents like the kind of work they 

do (question 5) and feel they are held accountable for achieving results (question 16, 84%). 

Additionally, employees continued to feel supported by their supervisor to balance work and 

other life issues (question 42, 83%). 

On the other hand, the lowest scores were on items measuring performance culture and talent 

management—although these scores still represent only a minority of the employees that 

responded. For example, only 37% of the employees surveyed agree that steps are taken to 

deal with poor performers who do not improve (question 23) and only 39% percent of 

respondents feel creativity and innovation are rewarded (question 32). Almost 35% of 

employees feel they do not have sufficient resources to get their job done (question 9), this 

survey item was the largest decrease since last year’s survey (a decrease of 3 percentage 

points). This is an area we intend to concentrate on improving in the upcoming years. 

2. How the survey was conducted: The survey was conducted online by OPM from May 4th 

to June 15th, 2017. 

3. Description of the employee sample: All full-time, permanent employees of the agency 

as of October 31st, 2016 were surveyed. 

4. Survey items, response choices, and number of respondents for each question: 

Please refer to the results attached to this report. 

5. Number of employees surveyed, number who responded, and representation of 

respondents: of the 870 employees invited to participate, 449 completed the survey, for a 

response rate of 52 percent. Demographics of the survey respondents can be found beginning 

on page 9 of the following report. 
Core Survey

Response

Type Item Item Text

Percent

Positive

%

Strongly

Agree/

Very

Good/

Very

Satisfied

%

Agree/

Good/

Satisfied

%

Neither

Agree nor

Disagree/

Fair/

Neither

Satisfied

nor

Dissatisfied

%

Disagree/

Poor/

Dissatisfied

%

Strongly

Disagree/

Very Poor/

Very

Dissatisfied

%

Percent

Negative

%

Strongly

Agree/

Very

Good/

Very

Satisfied

N

Agree/

Good/

Satisfied

N

Neither

Agree nor

Disagree/

Fair/

Neither

Satisfied

nor

Dissatisfied

N

Dis

P

Diss

Agree‐disagree

1 *I am given a real opportunity to

improve my skills in my organization. 65.13% 24.61% 40.51% 16.64% 11.87% 6.37% 18.24% 110 182 75 

Agree‐disagree

2 I have enough information to do my job

well. 73.58% 23.42% 50.16% 15.14% 7.46% 3.82% 11.28% 104 222 67 

Agree‐disagree

3 I feel encouraged to come up with new

and better ways of doing things. 56.76% 22.38% 34.38% 19.78% 14.42% 9.05% 23.46% 100 155 86 

Agree‐disagree

4 My work gives me a feeling of personal

accomplishment. 71.79% 33.66% 38.13% 12.40% 8.81% 6.99% 15.80% 147 174 53 

Agree‐disagree

5 I like the kind of work I do.

79.56% 39.25% 40.31% 12.10% 5.71% 2.63% 8.35% 173 181 54 

Agree‐disagree

6 I know what is expected of me on the

job. 80.52% 36.81% 43.71% 9.20% 6.62% 3.66% 10.28% 159 197 43 

Agree‐disagree

7 When needed I am willing to put in the

extra effort to get a job done. 94.91% 61.83% 33.09% 4.22% 0.21% 0.66% 0.87% 273 150 17 

Agree‐disagree

8 I am constantly looking for ways to do

my job better. 85.79% 45.48% 40.31% 12.42% 1.27% 0.52% 1.79% 200 182 54 

Agree‐disagree

9 I have sufficient resources (for example,

people, materials, budget) to get my job

done.

51.47% 15.55% 35.92% 13.91% 22.05% 12.56% 34.62% 65 160 62 

Agree‐disagree

10 *My workload is reasonable.

56.40% 16.28% 40.12% 15.92% 17.84% 9.84% 27.68% 68 178 68 

Agree‐disagree

11 *My talents are used well in the

workplace. 61.25% 21.73% 39.52% 16.00% 11.98% 10.77% 22.75% 94 176 70 

Agree‐disagree

12 *I know how my work relates to the

agency's goals and priorities. 85.63% 38.65% 46.98% 8.52% 4.05% 1.81% 5.86% 169 212 37 

Agree‐disagree

13 The work I do is important.

93.16% 55.34% 37.81% 5.59% 0.95% 0.30% 1.25% 240 167 26 

Agree‐disagree

14 Physical conditions (for example, noise

level, temperature, lighting, cleanliness

in the workplace) allow employees to

perform their jobs well.

62.97% 20.22% 42.76% 14.09% 14.03% 8.90% 22.93% 87 193 61 

Agree‐disagree

15 My performance appraisal is a fair

reflection of my performance. 73.30% 27.10% 46.20% 11.35% 7.48% 7.87% 15.35% 121 203 50 

Agree‐disagree

16 I am held accountable for achieving

results. 84.46% 35.67% 48.79% 9.86% 2.05% 3.63% 5.68% 157 218 43 

Agree‐disagree

17 *I can disclose a suspected violation of

any law, rule or regulation without fear

of reprisal. 68.74% 33.36% 35.39% 18.80% 5.42% 7.05% 12.46% 136 146 78 

Agree‐disagree

18 My training needs are assessed.

63.18% 21.58% 41.60% 21.76% 7.64% 7.42% 15.06% 93 183 93 
Core Survey

Agree‐disagree

19 In my most recent performance

appraisal, I understood what I had to doto be rated at different performance

levels (for example, Fully Successful,Outstanding).

75.92% 34.62% 41.30% 10.42% 8.40% 5.26% 13.66% 145 183 46 

Agree‐disagree

20 *The people I work with cooperate to

get the job done. 77.48% 28.30% 49.18% 11.29% 7.84% 3.39% 11.23% 127 216 52 

Agree‐disagree

21 My work unit is able to recruit people

with the right skills. 44.91% 11.92% 33.00% 26.11% 18.77% 10.21% 28.98% 50 139 107 

Agree‐disagree

22 Promotions in my work unit are based

on merit. 47.74% 14.26% 33.48% 25.18% 13.24% 13.84% 27.08% 60 140 104 

Agree‐disagree

23 In my work unit, steps are taken to deal

with a poor performer who cannot or

will not improve. 36.95% 12.47% 24.49% 29.35% 16.32% 17.38% 33.70% 46 96 114 

Agree‐disagree

24 *In my work unit, differences in

performance are recognized in ameaningful way. 40.91% 12.00% 28.92% 29.21% 16.69% 13.19% 29.88% 49 116 115 

Agree‐disagree

25 Awards in my work unit depend on how

well employees perform their jobs. 52.40% 17.84% 34.56% 24.38% 11.63% 11.59% 23.22% 71 143 100 

Agree‐disagree

26 Employees in my work unit share job

knowledge with each other. 80.00% 33.45% 46.55% 11.79% 6.08% 2.13% 8.21% 147 207 51 

Agree‐disagree

27 The skill level in my work unit has

improved in the past year. 63.79% 23.86% 39.94% 22.21% 7.09% 6.91% 14.00% 96 169 93 

Good‐poor

28 How would you rate the overall quality

of work done by your work unit? 85.68% 44.61% 41.07% 12.39% 0.97% 0.96% 1.93% 201 183 56 

Agree‐disagree

29 *The workforce has the job‐relevant

knowledge and skills necessary to

accomplish organizational goals. 68.05% 16.62% 51.43% 17.87% 9.93% 4.15% 14.08% 67 218 76 

Agree‐disagree

30 Employees have a feeling of personal

empowerment with respect to workprocesses. 47.16% 10.35% 36.81% 25.39% 17.45% 10.00% 27.45% 41 152 101 

Agree‐disagree

31 Employees are recognized for providing

high quality products and services. 52.35% 16.14% 36.21% 23.05% 13.73% 10.87% 24.59% 69 156 94 

Agree‐disagree

32 Creativity and innovation are rewarded.

38.85% 11.59% 27.26% 30.59% 18.28% 12.28% 30.56% 48 115 121 

Agree‐disagree

33 Pay raises depend on how well

employees perform their jobs. 41.68% 10.17% 31.51% 25.57% 19.35% 13.40% 32.74% 39 127 105 

Agree‐disagree

34 Policies and programs promote

diversity in the workplace (for example,

recruiting minorities and women,

training in awareness of diversity issues,

mentoring).

71.06% 24.83% 46.22% 21.27% 3.61% 4.06% 7.67% 98 188 82 

Agree‐disagree

35 Employees are protected from health

and safety hazards on the job. 80.66% 25.10% 55.56% 14.18% 3.89% 1.27% 5.16% 105 238 62 

Agree‐disagree

36 My organization has prepared

employees for potential security

threats.

85.12% 31.29% 53.83% 9.72% 2.44% 2.72% 5.16% 134 236 43 
Core Survey

Agree‐disagree

37 Arbitrary action, personal favoritism

and coercion for partisan politicalpurposes are not tolerated. 61.28% 22.26% 39.02% 19.74% 11.26% 7.72% 18.98% 90 157 77 

Agree‐disagree

38 Prohibited Personnel Practices (for

example, illegally discriminating for oragainst any employee/applicant,obstructing a person's right to compete

for employment, knowingly violatingveterans' preference requirements) arenot tolerated.

74.42% 30.32% 44.09% 16.96% 4.17% 4.46% 8.63% 118 174 64 

Agree‐disagree

39 My agency is successful at

accomplishing its mission. 80.04% 25.82% 54.22% 12.62% 4.38% 2.97% 7.34% 110 232 50 

Agree‐disagree

40 *I recommend my organization as a

good place to work. 72.98% 33.06% 39.92% 16.93% 6.23% 3.87% 10.10% 143 179 75 

Agree‐disagree

41 *I believe the results of this survey will

be used to make my agency a better

place to work. 47.85% 23.10% 24.75% 27.16% 12.79% 12.20% 24.99% 81 101 106 

Agree‐disagree

42 My supervisor supports my need to

balance work and other life issues. 82.77% 43.87% 38.90% 10.18% 2.48% 4.57% 7.05% 190 171 44 

Agree‐disagree

43 My supervisor provides me with

opportunities to demonstrate myleadership skills. 68.43% 34.77% 33.66% 15.91% 10.25% 5.41% 15.66% 150 146 70 

Agree‐disagree

44 Discussions with my supervisor about

my performance are worthwhile. 67.63% 33.61% 34.02% 14.60% 9.77% 8.00% 17.77% 143 150 65 

Agree‐disagree

45 My supervisor is committed to a

workforce representative of all

segments of society. 71.99% 36.74% 35.26% 20.10% 3.79% 4.11% 7.91% 141 138 79 

Agree‐disagree

46 My supervisor provides me with

constructive suggestions to improve my

job performance. 68.45% 32.70% 35.75% 15.31% 9.71% 6.53% 16.24% 136 155 69 

Agree‐disagree

47 Supervisors in my work unit support

employee development. 68.65% 34.23% 34.43% 17.84% 5.75% 7.76% 13.50% 144 149 78 

Agree‐disagree

48 My supervisor listens to what I have to

say. 78.42% 43.10% 35.32% 12.13% 5.72% 3.73% 9.45% 187 158 51 

Agree‐disagree

49 My supervisor treats me with respect.

84.25% 46.68% 37.57% 8.92% 3.95% 2.88% 6.83% 201 165 38 

Agree‐disagree

50 In the last six months, my supervisor

has talked with me about my

performance. 81.13% 39.33% 41.80% 10.45% 5.40% 3.02% 8.42% 170 184 45 

Agree‐disagree

51 I have trust and confidence in my

supervisor. 70.86% 38.35% 32.51% 14.21% 8.24% 6.69% 14.93% 166 145 61 

Good‐poor

52 Overall, how good a job do you feel is

being done by your immediate

supervisor? 74.86% 45.95% 28.91% 16.01% 4.64% 4.49% 9.13% 197 132 68 

Agree‐disagree

53 In my organization, senior leaders

generate high levels of motivation and

commitment in the workforce.

48.10% 16.05% 32.05% 27.20% 14.69% 10.01% 24.70% 64 133 107 
Core Survey

Agree‐disagree

54 My organization's senior leaders

maintain high standards of honesty and

integrity. 60.80% 23.17% 37.63% 26.38% 6.74% 6.07% 12.82% 88 147 99 

Agree‐disagree

55 Supervisors work well with employees

of different backgrounds. 74.66% 27.63% 47.03% 16.70% 5.52% 3.12% 8.64% 116 192 69 

Agree‐disagree

56 *Managers communicate the goals and

priorities of the organization. 71.08% 22.97% 48.10% 14.48% 8.18% 6.27% 14.44% 95 204 61 

Agree‐disagree

57 Managers review and evaluate the

organization's progress toward meetingits goals and objectives. 71.93% 23.30% 48.63% 16.69% 6.67% 4.71% 11.38% 88 189 67 

Agree‐disagree

58 Managers promote communication

among different work units (for

example, about projects, goals, neededresources).

60.75% 20.63% 40.12% 19.27% 11.16% 8.82% 19.98% 82 165 80 

Agree‐disagree

59 Managers support collaboration across

work units to accomplish workobjectives. 63.82% 22.44% 41.37% 19.14% 9.35% 7.70% 17.05% 89 171 82 

Good‐poor

60 Overall, how good a job do you feel is

being done by the manager directly

above your immediate supervisor? 68.43% 31.05% 37.38% 17.63% 4.98% 8.97% 13.95% 122 156 74 

Agree‐disagree

61 I have a high level of respect for my

organization's senior leaders. 59.80% 27.56% 32.25% 24.10% 10.42% 5.68% 16.10% 114 137 101 

Agree‐disagree

62 Senior leaders demonstrate support for

Work/Life programs. 68.18% 27.24% 40.94% 20.68% 4.44% 6.70% 11.14% 105 163 79 

Satisfied‐dissatisfied

63 *How satisfied are you with your

involvement in decisions that affect

your work? 54.34% 18.34% 36.00% 22.30% 14.66% 8.70% 23.36% 81 153 96 

Satisfied‐dissatisfied

64 *How satisfied are you with the

information you receive frommanagement on what's going on inyour organization?

57.71% 19.23% 38.48% 18.78% 15.34% 8.17% 23.51% 81 166 81 

Satisfied‐dissatisfied

65 *How satisfied are you with the

recognition you receive for doing a

good job? 56.84% 22.97% 33.87% 21.44% 13.31% 8.41% 21.72% 97 147 90 

Satisfied

‐dissatisfied

66 How satisfied are you with the policies

and practices of your senior leaders?

52.71% 16.21% 36.50% 27.68% 11.54% 8.08% 19.61% 69 157 118 

Satisfied‐dissatisfied

67 How satisfied are you with your

opportunity to get a better job in your

organization? 43.59% 14.47% 29.12% 26.16% 15.58% 14.68% 30.25% 61 128 113 

Satisfied‐dissatisfied

68 How satisfied are you with the training

you receive for your present job?

62.20% 20.46% 41.74% 18.01% 12.86% 6.92% 19.78% 85 182 76 

Satisfied‐dissatisfied

69 *Considering everything, how satisfied

are you with your job?

72.67% 28.39% 44.28% 11.23% 11.38% 4.72% 16.10% 118 191 47 

Satisfied‐dissatisfied

70 Considering everything, how satisfied

are you with your pay?

63.00% 18.00% 44.99% 15.59% 14.85% 6.56% 21.41% 79 195 66 
Core Survey

Satisfied‐dissatisfied

71 *Considering everything, how satisfied

are you with your organization?

70.39% 25.58% 44.81% 15.93% 7.95% 5.73% 13.68% 108 192 68 

Satisfied‐dissatisfied

79 How satisfied are you with the following

Work/Life programs in your agency?Telework

84.67% 43.28% 41.39% 7.99% 5.97% 1.37% 7.33% 80 84 15 

Satisfied‐dissatisfied

80 How satisfied are you with the following

Work/Life programs in your agency?Alternative Work Schedules (AWS) 90.79% 50.62% 40.17% 4.78% 3.72% 0.71% 4.43% 74 62 7 

Satisfied‐dissatisfied

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)

94.45% 45.10% 49.35% 4.53% 1.02% 0.00% 1.02% 84 94 8 

Satisfied‐dissatisfied

82 How satisfied are you with the following

Work/Life programs in your agency?Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 83.58% 32.11% 51.47% 16.42% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 17 29 8 

Satisfied‐dissatisfied

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)

70.90% 0.00% 70.90% 29.10% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0 2 1 

Satisfied‐dissatisfied

84 How satisfied are you with the following

Work/Life programs in your agency?Elder Care Programs (for example,support groups, speakers)

83.33% 21.95% 61.38% 16.67% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 3 10 3 

* AES prescribed items as of 2017 (5 CFR Part 250, Subpart C)** Unweighted count of responses excluding 'Do Not Know' and 'No Basis to Judge'The Dashboard only includes items 1‐71.Percentages are weighted to represent the Agency's population.
Work Life‐Telework

72. Have you been notified whether or not you are eligible to telework?

Yes, I was notified that I was eligible to telework.

Yes, I was notified that I was not eligible to telework.No, I was not notified of my telework eligibility.

Not sure if I was notified of my telework eligibility.

Total

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

I telework 3 or more days per week.

I telework 1 or 2 days per week.

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

I telework very infrequently.I do not telework because I have to be physically present on the job.

I do not telework because I have technical issues.

I do not telework because I did not receive approval to do so.

I do not telework because I choose not to telework.

N 

256 

90 

62 21 

429 

N 

4 

151 

11 

27 

61 

11 

95 

62 

Total

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

YesNoNot available to me

422 

N 

153 148 125 

Total

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

YesNoNot available to me

426 

N 

181 188 

51 

Total

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

YesNoNot available to me

420 

N 

59 

342 

21 
Work Life‐Telework

Total

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

YesNoNot available to me

422

N

3

320104

Total

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

YesNoNot available to me

427

N

15

303107

Total 425 

Percentages are weighted to represent the Agency's population.
Demographics

Where do you work? 

Headquarters 

Field 

Total

What is your supervisory status?

Non‐SupervisorTeam LeaderSupervisorManagerSenior Leader

Total 

Are you: 

Male 

Female 

Total 

Are you Hispanic or Latino? 

Yes 

No 

Total

Please select the racial category or categories with which you most closely identify.

American Indian or Alaska Native

AsianBlack or African AmericanNative Hawaiian or Other Pacific IslanderWhiteTwo or more racesTotal 

What is the highest degree or level of education you have completed? 

Less than High School 
Demographics

High School Diploma/GED or equivalent

Trade or Technical CertificateSome College (no degree)Associate's Degree (e.g., AA, AS)Bachelor's Degree (e.g., BA, BS)

Master's Degree (e.g., MA, MS, MBA)

Doctoral/Professional Degree (e.g., Ph.D., MD, JD)

Total

What is your pay category/grade?

Federal Wage SystemGS 1‐6GS 7‐12GS 13‐15Senior Executive Service

Senior Level (SL) or Scientific or Professional (ST)

Other

Total

How long have you been with the Federal Government (excluding military service)?

Less than 1 year1 to 3 years4 to 5 years6 to 10 years

11 to 14 years

15 to 20 yearsMore than 20 years

Total

How long have you been with your current agency (for example, Department of Justice, Environmental Protection

Agency)?

Less than 1 year1 to 3 years
Demographics

4 to 5 years 

6 to 10 years 

11 to 20 years More than 20 years 

Total 

Are you considering leaving your organization within the next year, and if so, why? 

No 

Yes, to retire 

Yes, to take another job within the Federal Government 

Yes, to take another job outside the Federal Government 

Yes, other Total 

I am planning to retire: 

Within one year Between one and three years 

Between three and five years Five or more years Total 

Self‐Identify as: 

Heterosexual or Straight Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, or Transgender 

I prefer not to say 

Total 

What is your US military service status? 

No Prior Military Service 

Currently in National Guard or Reserves Retired 

Separated or Discharged 

Total 
Demographics

Are you an individual with a disability? 

Yes 

No 

Total

What is your age group?

25 and under26‐2930‐3940‐4950‐5960 or older

Total 

Percentages for demographic questions are unweighted.