Federal Work-Life Survey
Overview
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) administered the first Governmentwide Federal Work-Life Survey from January to March 2017, in support of efforts to develop and sustain an engaged, innovative, and productive Federal workforce. Our commitment to workplace flexibilities and employee wellness makes the Federal Government an ideal place for employees to build their careers and cultivate fulfilling lives outside the workplace.
The Federal Work-Life Survey offered an unprecedented opportunity to evaluate the relationship between work-life programs and organizational benefits, and answered questions about how Federal programs compare to similar private sector programs. The data collected also help individual agencies understand their employees' work-life needs and priorities, allowing senior leaders and managers to make evidence-based decisions about support for and investments in these programs. Furthermore, the Governmentwide results were analyzed to identify and share high-performing programs, common barriers, and recommendations to create a work environment that supports the success of organizations and its employees. To view results, download full report located below.
Additional Survey Insights
Work-life programs have significant benefits to our Federal workforce and positively impact recruitment, retention and organizational performance. Strong evidence continues to emerge that demonstrate the use of Federal work-life programs are a strategic business practice that increases employee performance, engagement, and satisfaction.
The materials highlight information obtained from OPM’s 2018 Federal Work-Life Survey sharing insight, best practices, and benefits of different work-life programs and workplace flexibilities.
All materials are available for download.
For questions, contact worklife@opm.gov.
Work-life: Myth-Busters
This factsheet unlocks work-life myths and helps agencies understand how supporting the well-being of employees can positively impact the work environment.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) -- Governmentwide Averages Compared to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
This infographic highlights the success of one agency’s program. According to data from the Federal Work-Life Survey, USAID has documented high EAP participation and positive satisfaction and outcomes above Governmentwide percentages of all agencies surveyed.
Health and Wellness Have Benefits for All
This infographic highlights the positive outcomes reported by employees of all generations for health and wellness programs.
Family & Dependent Care (FDC) -- Care around the Clock
This factsheet includes data from the Federal Work-Life Survey that show that dependent care responsibilities are around the clock. Employers should focus on supporting these workers to be successful in the workplace.
Telework Insights Paper: A Current Review of Telework in the Federal Government to Support a 21st Century Workforce
This paper provides a broad overview of the current state of telework in the Federal Government and provides key issues, insights, and implications for practice.
This paper provides a broad overview of the current state of telework in the Federal Government and provides key issues, insights, and implications for practice.
Methodology
OPM developed the survey sample by using a stratified random sampling method to obtain generalizable results intended to represent the Federal Government. A total of 64,474 employees responded to the survey out of the 196,489 to whom it was sent, for a response rate of 37%. Survey participants represent 101 headquarter and level one component agencies/departments within the Executive Branch across the Federal Government. Full–time and part–time permanent, non–seasonal and seasonal employees were eligible to participate in the survey. Data were weighted to produce survey estimates that represent all federal employees by demographic characteristics (gender, age, ethnicity, etc.).
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Federal Work-Life Survey was the first Governmentwide, systematic assessment of our work-life programs.
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The purpose was to evaluate program effectiveness, identify best practices, and promote evidence-based decision-making by providing the tools needed to make the business case for programs.
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To obtain a copy of your agency’s results, please contact your agency’s work-life coordinator or program manager. Note, all agencies were not provided an agency specific report.
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The survey begun on January 25, 2017 and remain open for a six week period.
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Survey participants consisted of 196,347 permanent Federal employees. Full-time, part-time, seasonal, or non-seasonal employees were included. Participants were randomly selected from all agencies within the Executive Branch.
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Yes. Survey participant and respondent information was confidential. Results are reported at the aggregate level only.
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No. There is currently no plan to re-administer the survey.
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Telework, Alternative Work Arrangements (i.e., Alternative work schedules), Family & Dependent Care, Health & Wellness, and Employee Assistance Programs
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The survey is an unprecedented opportunity to:
- Promote evidence-based decision-making by providing the tools needed to make the business case for programs
- Evaluate the relationships between Federal work-life programs and intended beneficial outcomes
- Answer pressing questions of interest about how programs in the Federal Government compare to other programs in the United States
- Support individual agencies in understanding the needs and desires of their employees in order to build more effective programs
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How does the Federal Work-Life Survey differ from the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS)? View more
The FEVS only includes questions about the use of work-life programs and program satisfaction, and relate participation in and satisfaction with work-life programs to outcomes of business interest, such as job satisfaction and turnover intention.
The Federal Work-Life Survey go much further in helping us understand the needs and desires of employees by delving into more specifics of program use. For example, questions inquiry about:
- Current and future work-life needs
- Child care subsidy, flexible spending accounts, and Federal Child Care Centers
- Program satisfaction and quality of services
- Leadership, manager, and coworker support for work-life programs and participation
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If you have questions, you are encouraged to ask your agency’s work-life program coordinator or email OPM’s Work-Life Survey Team at WorkLifeSurvey@opm.gov.
Public Data File
Thank you for your interest in the Federal Work-Life Survey. Once you click the link below, the public release data zip file will begin downloading. Please check your internet browser settings if you are unable to download the file.
If you have any questions, please contact worklifesurvey@opm.gov.