2010 EMPLOYEE VIEWPOINT SURVEY RESULTS

FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION

1. Interpretation of Results: Nearly 81 percent of Federal Maritime Commission employees responded to the 2010 Employee Viewpoint Survey 

that was conducted online between February 9 and March 19, 2010. Of the 108 employees who received the survey, 87 completed and returned it. 

This response rate far exceeded the government-wide response rate of 52% and topped the FMC’s highest previous rate by over 10%, as shown in 

Table 1.

Table 1. Response Rates Over Five Years

Instrument Responses Response Rate

2010 Employee Viewpoint Survey 87 81%

2009 Annual Employee Survey 71 66%

2008 Federal Human Capital Survey 68 69%

2007 Annual Employee Survey 78 66%

2006 Federal Human Capital Survey 69 66%

FMC’s results compare extremely favorably with results across the government, with 66 of the 78 items (84.6%) showing higher positive responses 

than the government-wide average. Similarly, among small agencies, 65 of the items (83.3%) showed higher positive responses at FMC.

FMC’s results describe a high-performing agency where employees view their work as important and are willing to put in extra effort when it’s needed. 

They share their knowledge and cooperate to get the job done. They rate their supervisors and team leaders highly, and they credit managers with 

promoting communication and supporting collaboration. They constantly look for ways to do their jobs better, and they know that they are held 

accountable for results.

Highlights from Selected Questions

Overall results in the section dealing with “My Work Experiences” were positive, with over two-thirds of the 19 questions receiving 75% or 

higher positive response. FMC employees indicated that they are willing to put in extra effort when needed (Q.7 – 93.7%), that they are 

constantly looking for ways to do their jobs better (Q.8 – 93.5%), that they are held accountable for achieving results (Q.16 – 90.1%), and that 

their work is important (Q.13 – 86.7%).

FMC employees work with others who cooperate to get the job done (Q.20 – 81.6%) and they share their job knowledge (Q.26 – 80.9%). 

They rate the quality of work done by their work units as high (Q. 28 – 86.1%) and they believe that the skill level has improved in the past 

year (Q.27 – 64.9%). However, they are less in agreement that differences in performance are recognized in a meaningful way (Q.24 –

50.8%).

In viewing the agency as a whole, employees overwhelmingly replied that they are protected from health and safety hazards on the job (Q.35 

– 85.9%). They see the agency as successful at accomplishing its mission (Q.39 – 74.8%) and the workforce as having the job-relevant 

knowledge and skills needed (Q.29 – 74.7%). Over 70% recommend the FMC as a good place to work (Q.40 – 72.4%). Employees were 
less positive about the link between pay raises and performance (Q.33 – 50.0%) and about creativity and innovation being rewarded (Q.32 –

49.9%).

Supervisors and team leaders were rated highly overall by FMC employees. When asked their assessment of how good a job is being done 

by their immediate supervisor or team leader, 84.2% responded positively (Q.52). Supervisors/team leaders treat employees with respect 

(Q.49 – 90.9%), listen to employees (Q.48 – 86.4%), and support employee development (Q.47 – 85.6%). Similarly, employees believe that 

their supervisors support their needs to balance work and other life issues (Q.42 – 89.7%). Supervisors provide feedback about performance 

(Q.50 – 83.5%) and employees find the discussions worthwhile (Q.44 – 81.2%).

Employees approve of the job that is being done by the manager directly above their immediate supervisor/team leader (Q.60 – 72.2%) and 

credit senior leaders with demonstrating support for Work/Life programs (Q.62 – 76.7%). Managers promote communication among different 

work units (Q.58 – 67.1%) and support collaboration across them (Q.59 – 63.8%). Employees see managers reviewing and evaluating the 

organization’s progress toward meeting its goals and objectives (Q.57 – 67.2%) and working well with employees of different backgrounds 

(Q.55 – 64.6%).

FMC employees express satisfaction with their involvement in decisions that affect their work (Q.63 – 69.0%). They are satisfied with the 

information they receive about what’s going on in the organization (Q.64 – 67.1%) and with the recognition they receive for doing a good job 

(Q.65 – 67.6%). Overall, FMC employees are satisfied with their jobs (Q.69 – 70.8%) and their pay (Q.70 – 71.1%).

2. How the survey was conducted: The survey was conducted online from February 9, 2010 to March 16, 2010.

3. Description of sample: All 108 full-time permanent employees of the agency were surveyed.

4. Survey items and response choices: See the tables on the following pages.

5. Number of employees surveyed and number who responded: Of the 108 employees surveyed, 87 responded, for a response rate of nearly 

81%.
FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION

2010 FEDERAL EMPLOYEE VIEWPOINT SURVEY RESULTS

(Survey Administration Period 2/9/2010 to 3/19/2010)

Page 1

 

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

organization.

2. I have enough information to do my job well.

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

things.

*4. My work gives me a feeling of personal accomplishment.

*5. I like the kind of work I do.

6. I know what is expected of me on the job.

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

done.

8. I am constantly looking for ways to do my job better.

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

to get my job done.

*10. My workload is reasonable.

*11. My talents are used well in the workplace.

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

*13. The work I do is important.

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

lighting, cleanliness in the workplace) allow employees to perform 

their jobs well.

*15. My performance appraisal is a fair reflection of my performance.

16. I am held accountable for achieving results.

Percent 

Positive

Strongly 

Agree Agree

Neither 

Agree Nor 

Disagree Disagree

Strongly 

Disagree

Item 

Response 

Total**

Do Not Know/

No Basis to 

Judge

N 20 43 10 6 8 87 NA

% 73.3 24.0 49.4 11.1 7.1 8.4 100.0 

N 20 42 17 5 3 87 NA

% 70.7 23.3 47.3 19.2 7.1 3.0 100.0 

N 24 41 10 6 6 87 NA

% 75.3 28.1 47.2 12.1 6.3 6.3 100.0 

N 23 43 10 7 4 87 NA

% 76.3 28.0 48.4 11.8 7.6 4.3 100.0 

N 26 40 11 7 3 87 NA

% 76.8 30.6 46.2 11.8 7.9 3.5 100.0 

N 24 43 13 3 3 86 NA

% 78.4 28.2 50.2 15.0 3.4 3.2 100.0 

N 54 27 4 1 1 87 NA

% 93.7 62.3 31.3 4.4 1.0 1.0 100.0 

N 39 42 4 1 1 87 NA

% 93.5 45.6 47.9 4.4 1.1 1.0 100.0 

N 12 39 13 14 9 87 0

% 60.0 14.5 45.5 14.8 15.3 9.8 100.0 

N 11 53 13 7 2 86 1

% 74.5 13.1 61.4 15.4 8.0 2.1 100.0 

N 18 38 10 9 9 84 1

% 67.7 21.5 46.2 11.6 10.3 10.3 100.0 

N 25 48 5 5 2 85 2

% 85.8 29.4 56.4 6.6 5.5 2.1 100.0 

N 35 38 9 2 1 85 1

% 86.7 42.2 44.6 9.9 2.2 1.1 100.0 

N 26 46 2 9 4 87 0

% 83.2 31.0 52.2 2.4 10.1 4.3 100.0 

N 26 43 8 4 2 83 3

% 83.8 33.2 50.6 9.2 5.0 2.0 100.0 

N 28 49 8 0 1 86 0

% 90.1 33.5 56.6 8.9 0.0 1.0 100.0 

*AES prescribed items 

** Sum of responses excluding DNK/NBJ 

Sample or Census: Census 

Number in Population: 108 

Percentages are weighted to represent the Agency's population.

Surveys Completed: 87 

Response Rate: 80.6%
FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION

2010 FEDERAL EMPLOYEE VIEWPOINT SURVEY RESULTS

(Survey Administration Period 2/9/2010 to 3/19/2010)

Page 2

 

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

without fear of reprisal.

*18. My training needs are assessed.

*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).

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

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

*22. Promotions in my work unit are based on merit.

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

cannot or will not improve.

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

meaningful way.

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

their jobs.

26. Employees in my work unit share job knowledge with each other.

27. The skill level in my work unit has improved in the past year.

Percent 

Positive

Strongly 

Agree Agree

Neither 

Agree Nor 

Disagree Disagree

Strongly 

Disagree

Item 

Response 

Total**

Do Not Know/

No Basis to 

Judge

N 22 32 15 5 7 81 5

% 67.9 28.2 39.6 18.2 6.1 7.9 100.0 

N 16 36 18 11 1 82 3

% 64.3 19.6 44.7 21.3 13.4 1.0 100.0 

N 25 41 6 9 3 84 3

% 79.1 30.2 48.9 7.0 11.0 3.0 100.0 

N 14 52 8 5 3 82 NA

% 81.6 17.0 64.6 9.3 5.8 3.3 100.0 

N 17 32 21 8 2 80 7

% 60.6 21.3 39.3 27.8 9.5 2.1 100.0 

N 12 34 22 6 8 82 5

% 55.3 14.9 40.4 28.2 7.2 9.4 100.0 

N 4 30 31 8 6 79 8

% 42.5 4.8 37.7 39.7 10.8 7.0 100.0 

N 10 31 25 9 6 81 6

% 50.8 13.6 37.2 30.8 11.3 7.1 100.0 

N 12 39 18 6 6 81 6

% 63.3 16.2 47.1 22.6 7.2 6.9 100.0 

N 22 48 9 4 3 86 1

% 80.9 26.2 54.7 11.3 4.8 3.1 100.0 

N 13 40 19 6 4 82 4

% 64.9 16.6 48.3 24.0 7.0 4.1 100.0 

 

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

unit?

Percent 

Positive Very Good Good Fair Poor Very Poor

Item 

Response 

Total**

Do Not Know/

No Basis to 

Judge

N 43 30 10 2 1 86 NA

% 86.1 51.6 34.6 10.8 2.1 1.0 100.0 

 

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

to accomplish organizational goals.

Percent 

Positive

Strongly 

Agree Agree

Neither 

Agree Nor 

Disagree Disagree

Strongly 

Disagree

Item 

Response 

Total**

Do Not Know/

No Basis to 

Judge

N 16 44 14 4 4 82 3

% 74.7 19.3 55.4 16.5 4.5 4.2 100.0 

*AES prescribed items 

** Sum of responses excluding DNK/NBJ 

Sample or Census: Census 

Number in Population: 108 

Percentages are weighted to represent the Agency's population.

Surveys Completed: 87 

Response Rate: 80.6%
FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION

2010 FEDERAL EMPLOYEE VIEWPOINT SURVEY RESULTS

(Survey Administration Period 2/9/2010 to 3/19/2010)

Page 3

 

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

to work processes.

31. Employees are recognized for providing high quality products and 

services.

*32. Creativity and innovation are rewarded.

*33. Pay raises depend on how well employees perform their jobs.

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

example, recruiting minorities and women, training in awareness 

of diversity issues, mentoring).

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

*36. My organization has prepared employees for potential security 

threats.

37. Arbitrary action, personal favoritism and coercion for partisan 

political purposes are not tolerated.

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.

39. My agency is successful at accomplishing its mission.

40. I recommend my organization as a good place to work.

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

a better place to work.

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

issues.

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

demonstrate my leadership skills.

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

are worthwhile.

Percent 

Positive

Strongly 

Agree Agree

Neither 

Agree Nor 

Disagree Disagree

Strongly 

Disagree

Item 

Response 

Total**

Do Not Know/

No Basis to 

Judge

N 13 33 23 8 7 84 3

% 55.2 16.9 38.3 28.0 9.0 7.8 100.0 

N 16 34 20 8 7 85 2

% 58.3 19.7 38.6 24.8 8.8 8.0 100.0 

N 13 27 24 8 9 81 4

% 49.9 16.9 33.0 30.2 9.8 10.1 100.0 

N 8 32 18 13 8 79 8

% 50.0 11.5 38.5 24.5 15.8 9.7 100.0 

N 19 33 19 6 4 81 6

% 63.5 23.5 40.1 23.5 8.3 4.6 100.0 

N 30 43 10 3 0 86 1

% 85.9 35.5 50.4 10.9 3.2 0.0 100.0 

N 20 41 16 7 1 85 2

% 71.7 23.8 47.8 18.1 9.1 1.1 100.0 

N 11 31 19 9 9 79 8

% 54.1 14.8 39.3 24.3 11.0 10.6 100.0 

N 21 30 15 7 5 78 9

% 65.7 27.3 38.4 19.5 8.8 6.0 100.0 

N 18 45 15 5 2 85 1

% 74.8 21.6 53.3 17.3 5.5 2.4 100.0 

N 24 38 15 4 6 87 NA

% 72.4 28.1 44.3 17.2 4.1 6.3 100.0 

N 19 36 12 9 7 83 3

% 67.7 23.4 44.2 14.4 10.0 8.0 100.0 

N 44 32 7 2 0 85 0

% 89.7 53.3 36.4 7.9 2.4 0.0 100.0 

N 26 42 13 2 1 84 1

% 81.9 32.4 49.5 15.0 2.1 1.0 100.0 

N 27 39 14 2 0 82 3

% 81.2 34.3 46.9 16.6 2.2 0.0 100.0 

*AES prescribed items 

** Sum of responses excluding DNK/NBJ 

Sample or Census: Census 

Number in Population: 108 

Percentages are weighted to represent the Agency's population.

Surveys Completed: 87 

Response Rate: 80.6%
FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION

2010 FEDERAL EMPLOYEE VIEWPOINT SURVEY RESULTS

(Survey Administration Period 2/9/2010 to 3/19/2010)

Page 4

 

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

representative of all segments of society.

46. My supervisor/team leader provides me with constructive 

suggestions to improve my job performance.

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

development.

48. My supervisor/team leader listens to what I have to say.

49. My supervisor/team leader treats me with respect.

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

me about my performance.

*51. I have trust and confidence in my supervisor.

Percent 

Positive

Strongly 

Agree Agree

Neither 

Agree Nor 

Disagree Disagree

Strongly 

Disagree

Item 

Response 

Total**

Do Not Know/

No Basis to 

Judge

N 25 38 16 3 0 82 3

% 77.5 31.9 45.6 19.0 3.5 0.0 100.0 

N 24 37 17 5 0 83 2

% 73.5 30.3 43.2 20.7 5.8 0.0 100.0 

N 31 40 9 3 0 83 1

% 85.6 38.4 47.2 10.9 3.5 0.0 100.0 

N 39 33 9 2 1 84 NA

% 86.4 47.8 38.5 10.3 2.3 1.0 100.0 

N 39 38 7 0 1 85 NA

% 90.9 46.9 44.1 8.1 0.0 1.0 100.0 

N 29 40 7 7 1 84 NA

% 83.5 35.9 47.5 7.7 7.9 1.0 100.0 

N 37 29 13 4 2 85 NA

% 78.7 45.0 33.7 14.8 4.3 2.1 100.0 

 

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

immediate supervisor/team leader?

Percent 

Positive Very Good Good Fair Poor Very Poor

Item 

Response 

Total**

Do Not Know/

No Basis to 

Judge

N 45 26 11 0 3 85 NA

% 84.2 54.4 29.8 12.7 0.0 3.1 100.0 

 

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

commitment in the workforce.

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

integrity.

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

different backgrounds.

*56. Managers communicate the goals and priorities of the 

organization.

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

meeting its goals and objectives.

Percent 

Positive

Strongly 

Agree Agree

Neither 

Agree Nor 

Disagree Disagree

Strongly 

Disagree

Item 

Response 

Total**

Do Not Know/

No Basis to 

Judge

N 13 35 20 8 9 85 1

% 58.3 16.2 42.1 23.0 9.4 9.4 100.0 

N 14 36 19 7 8 84 2

% 61.3 17.8 43.5 22.1 8.1 8.5 100.0 

N 18 35 19 7 4 83 2

% 64.6 22.4 42.2 22.5 8.5 4.5 100.0 

N 14 39 18 6 9 86 0

% 62.2 17.0 45.2 21.6 6.6 9.6 100.0 

N 14 39 19 1 6 79 6

% 67.2 18.4 48.7 25.0 1.0 6.7 100.0 

*AES prescribed items 

** Sum of responses excluding DNK/NBJ 

Sample or Census: Census 

Number in Population: 108 

Percentages are weighted to represent the Agency's population.

Surveys Completed: 87 

Response Rate: 80.6%
FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION

2010 FEDERAL EMPLOYEE VIEWPOINT SURVEY RESULTS

(Survey Administration Period 2/9/2010 to 3/19/2010)

Page 5

 

58. Managers promote communication among different work units (for 

example, about projects, goals, needed resources).

59. Managers support collaboration across work units to accomplish 

work objectives.

Percent 

Positive

Strongly 

Agree Agree

Neither 

Agree Nor 

Disagree Disagree

Strongly 

Disagree

Item 

Response 

Total**

Do Not Know/

No Basis to 

Judge

N 12 43 14 7 7 83 2

% 67.1 14.8 52.3 17.1 8.2 7.6 100.0 

N 13 40 16 8 7 84 0

% 63.8 16.0 47.8 19.3 9.4 7.5 100.0 

 

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

directly above your immediate supervisor/team leader?

Percent 

Positive Very Good Good Fair Poor Very Poor

Item 

Response 

Total**

Do Not Know/

No Basis to 

Judge

N 22 35 11 4 9 81 4

% 72.2 28.6 43.6 13.5 4.2 10.1 100.0 

 

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

62. Senior leaders demonstrate support for Work/Life programs.

Percent 

Positive

Strongly 

Agree Agree

Neither 

Agree Nor 

Disagree Disagree

Strongly 

Disagree

Item 

Response 

Total**

Do Not Know/

No Basis to 

Judge

N 17 34 18 7 10 86 0

% 60.9 21.1 39.7 20.9 7.6 10.6 100.0 

N 23 39 16 2 2 82 4

% 76.7 29.3 47.5 18.2 2.5 2.5 100.0 

 

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

affect your work?

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

management on what's going on in your organization?

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

good job?

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

leaders?

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

your organization?

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

present job?

Percent 

Positive

Very 

Satisfied Satisfied

Neither 

Satisfied nor 

Dissatisfied Dissatisfied

Very 

Dissatisfied

Item 

Response 

Total**

Do Not Know/

No Basis to 

Judge

N 18 40 13 9 6 86 NA

% 69.0 22.2 46.8 14.7 9.9 6.4 100.0 

N 10 46 11 11 8 86 NA

% 67.1 12.3 54.8 12.1 12.1 8.8 100.0 

N 15 42 18 7 4 86 NA

% 67.6 18.8 48.8 20.1 8.1 4.3 100.0 

N 15 36 18 7 10 86 NA

% 61.3 18.7 42.6 20.5 7.5 10.7 100.0 

N 11 31 26 9 9 86 NA

% 48.9 12.9 36.1 30.2 11.1 9.7 100.0 

N 19 37 16 10 4 86 NA

% 65.8 23.1 42.7 18.3 11.7 4.2 100.0 

*AES prescribed items 

** Sum of responses excluding DNK/NBJ 

Sample or Census: Census 

Number in Population: 108 

Percentages are weighted to represent the Agency's population.

Surveys Completed: 87 

Response Rate: 80.6%
FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION

2010 FEDERAL EMPLOYEE VIEWPOINT SURVEY RESULTS

(Survey Administration Period 2/9/2010 to 3/19/2010)

Page 6

 

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

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

71. Considering everything, how satisfied are you with your 

organization?

Percent 

Positive Very Satisfied Satisfied

Neither 

Satisfied nor 

Dissatisfied Dissatisfied

Very 

Dissatisfied

Item 

Response 

Total**

Do Not Know/

No Basis to 

Judge

N 22 38 18 3 5 86 NA

% 70.8 27.2 43.6 20.6 3.2 5.5 100.0 

N 16 47 15 7 1 86 NA

% 71.1 18.8 52.3 19.6 7.9 1.3 100 

N 17 40 17 6 6 86 NA

% 67.4 20.0 47.4 20.0 6.1 6.5 100 

 

72. Please select the response below that BEST describes your 

teleworking situation.

Percent 

Positive

Telework on 

regular basis

Telework 

infrequently

No telework:

physical 

presence 

required

No telework:

technical 

issues

No telework:

not allowed 

though ok for 

job type

No telework:

personal 

choice

Item Response 

Total**

N 1 25 9 6 13 28 82

% 23.7 1.1 30.6 11.8 7.8 15.9 32.7 

 

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

in your agency... Telework?

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

in your agency... Alternative Work Schedules (AWS)?

75. 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)?

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

in your agency... Employee Assistance Program (EAP)?

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

in your agency... Child Care Programs (for example, daycare, 

parenting classes, parenting support groups)?

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

in your agency... Elder Care Programs (for example, support 

groups, speakers)?

Percent 

Positive Very Satisfied Satisfied

Neither 

Satisfied nor 

Dissatisfied Dissatisfied

Very 

Dissatisfied

Item 

Response 

Total**

Do Not Know/

No Basis to 

Judge

N 12 22 25 5 5 69 16

% 47.3 17.7 29.6 39.1 6.8 6.8 100.0 

N 44 25 12 1 0 82 4

% 82.8 54.5 28.3 16.2 1.0 0.0 100.0 

N 29 34 15 0 1 79 6

% 78.6 37.8 40.8 20.3 0.0 1.1 100 

N 19 23 21 1 0 64 22

% 64.1 29.5 34.6 34.2 1.7 0.0 100 

N 4 4 26 3 3 40 46

% 19.8 9.9 9.9 65.9 7.1 7.3 100 

N 4 8 27 2 2 43 43

% 26.2 9.0 17.2 65.1 4.1 4.6 100 

*AES prescribed items 

** Sum of responses excluding DNK/NBJ 

Sample or Census: Census 

Number in Population: 108 

Percentages are weighted to represent the Agency's population.

Surveys Completed: 87 

Response Rate: 80.6%