Issues raised include the adoption of a multi-racial category and the ability to make comparisons between the newly proposed categories and the current categories. Specific guidance is issued to assist agencies. In FY 1998, OPM issued a strengthened nine-point plan to increase Hispanic employment, an initiative for improving Black representation at higher grade levels, and targeted recruitment guidance for women and for persons with disabilities. OPM also conducted extensive seminars and workshops on diversity and co-hosted a national summit of Federal Hispanic senior executives to develop strategies for increasing their numbers. Model recruitment plan issued and agencies are satisfied with its usefulness, as measured by customer satisfaction results on the annual OPM Customer Satisfaction Survey.
Special initiatives lead to qualitative and quantitative results.
The ES partnered with the Social Security Administration to establish Project Able to assist workers with disabilities in reentering the workforce. In FY 1998, the number of employer inquiries soared from an average of 32 per month to over 200 per month. ES also undertook a variety of activities to support the Welfare to Work initiative. ES Service Centers worked to support and motivate agencies nationwide through the Federal Executive Boards and Associations, Federal Personnel Councils, and other Federal community groups. ES also sponsored special sessions of the Clerical and Administrative Support examination for individuals participating in job training and placement programs.