U.S. Agency for International Development 2012 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey Results

Agency for International Development (USAID) conducted a Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey in 2012 to assess employee opinions and perceptions about their work environment. The survey was administered from April 2 to May 14, 2012, and a total of 2,229 surveys were completed, representing a response rate of 61.7% of the 3,612 surveys administered. The survey results indicate that a significant majority of employees (69.7%) agree that they are given a real opportunity to improve their skills in their organization. Additionally, 68.7% of employees report having enough information to do their job well, and 60.3% feel encouraged to come up with new and better ways of doing things. Employees also reported a high level of job satisfaction, with 72.0% indicating that their work gives them a feeling of personal accomplishment. Furthermore, 80.6% of employees like the kind of work they do, and 72.0% know what is expected of them on the job. The survey also assessed employee perceptions of their work unit and supervisor. A majority of employees (77.2%) reported that their work unit cooperates to get the job done, and 76.9% indicated that their supervisor supports their need to balance work and other life issues. Additionally, 71.3% of employees reported that their supervisor/team leader provides them with opportunities to demonstrate their leadership skills. In terms of employee development, 64.3% of employees reported that policies and programs promote diversity in the workplace, and 74.5% indicated that their organization has prepared employees for potential security threats. Furthermore, 73.2% of employees reported that prohibited personnel practices are not tolerated. The survey also assessed employee perceptions of their agency's success in accomplishing its mission. A majority of employees (71.5%) reported that their agency is successful at accomplishing its mission, and 65.0% would recommend their organization as a good place to work. Overall, the survey results suggest that USAID employees are generally satisfied with their work environment and feel supported by their supervisors and work units. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in terms of employee development and diversity in the workplace.