2010 Employee Survey Results
U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM)

1. Interpretation of Results

OPM uses employee survey results as a tool for driving positive change. The Employee Viewpoint Survey (EVS) is designed to measure work environment and human capital practices in Federal agencies. It gauges employee perceptions of leadership and management practices; rewards and recognition; opportunities for professional development and growth; and opportunity to contribute to achieving organizational mission. The 2010 Employee Viewpoint Survey results have been reviewed and analyzed to gauge OPM employee perceptions on how well the Agency is meeting the goals of strengthening, developing and rewarding its employees.

The 2010 EVS results continued to reflect increases in positive response rates when compared to the 2006 and 2008 Federal Human Capital Survey (FHCS). When compared to 2008 FHCS results, positive response rates increased in 67 percent of the survey questions. In addition, the Agency showed a higher positive response rate than the Governmentwide rate in 67 percent of survey items.

While the Agency is making very good progress overall, we reviewed our 2010 results to identify areas where we scored lower compared to the rest of Government and the areas we feel are most critical to our success. In addition, we incorporated EVS and satisfaction-related questions into recent employee and manager focus groups conducted as part of our annual human capital accountability reviews, and analyzed other survey data related to employee satisfaction (e.g., new hire survey; exit survey) to draw conclusions and begin to inform action plans for improving satisfaction in key areas.

When comparing our 2008 and 2010 HCAAF rankings based on survey responses, the Agency showed significant improvement. Out of 37 agencies, OPM ranked 14th on Leadership and Knowledge Management (same as 2008); 12th on Results-Oriented Performance Culture (up from 15th in 2008); 19th on Talent Management (up from 26th in 2008); and 13th on Job Satisfaction (up from 19th in 2008). In fact, in the area of Job Satisfaction, all seven survey questions showed an increased positive response rate.

Areas showing the highest overall positive responses include: "when needed, I am willing to put in the extra effort to get a job done" (97.4%); "the work I do is important" (93.9%); "I am constantly looking for ways to do my job better" (90.7%); and "I am held accountable for achieving results" (90.2%). Areas showing the lowest overall positive response rates include: "steps are taken to deal with poor performers" (38.4%); "satisfaction with opportunity to get a better job in the organization" (39.3%); "differences in performance are recognized in a meaningful way" (39.9%); and "creativity and innovation are rewarded" (39.7%). While the satisfaction levels in these areas were our lowest, they did show increases from the 2008 response rates except in question 23 (steps are taken to deal with poor performers) which dropped by 5.8 percentage points.

Other key areas showing a continued increase in positive responses include "I recommend my organization as a good place to work" and "leaders generate high levels of motivation and commitment in the workforce." Both of these questions showed a positive response rate increase of 5.9 percent. The area showing the greatest overall decline in positive responses was "people I work with cooperate to get the job done" (-8.2%) and "steps are taken to deal with poor performers" (-5.8%).

Individual organizational responses are shared with leadership and employees. Each organization ensures that their results are analyzed to identify specific areas where they need to focus attention. Organizational-level action plans are developed to address areas of concern.

A corporate action plan will be developed to address areas of greatest concern OPM-wide. We plan to continue to enhance our focus on developing managers and supervisors to ensure they have the capacity to carry out their human capital management responsibilities through classroom and online training opportunities. The actions taken based on previous survey results have resulted in significant improvements in the areas of performance management, individual employee development and communication. We will also continued to focus on enhancing the Agency's work/life and wellness programs by improving internal programs and flexibilities and partnering with "shared campus" agencies to share resources and offer a broader variety of programs and services to employees.

2. How the survey was conducted:

The survey was conducted online from February 22 through March 26, 2010.

3. Description of sample:

All full time permanent OPM employees were surveyed.

4. Number of employees surveyed, number responded and representativeness of respondents:

Sample or Census: Census
Number in Population: 4,187
Percentages are weighted to represent the Agency's population.
Surveys Completed: 2,644
Response Rate: 63.1%

5. Survey items and response choices:

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Results for Questions 1 - 27

Question		Percent Positive	Strongly Agree	Agree	Neither Agree Nor Disagree	Disagree	Strongly Disagree	Item Response Total**	Do Not Know No Basis to Judge
*1.   I am given a real opportunity to improve my skills in my organization.	N		446	1,191	473	389	141	2,640	NA
	%	61.7	16.6	45.1	18.1	14.7	5.5	100.0
2.   I have enough information to do my job well.	N		420	1,454	362	318	78	2,632	NA
	%	71.2	15.9	55.3	13.7	12.1	3.0	100.0
3.   I feel encouraged to come up with new and better ways of doing things.	N		497	965	554	432	181	2,629	NA
	%	55.2	18.4	36.8	21.4	16.4	7.0	100.0
*4.   My work gives me a feeling of personal accomplishment.	N		772	1,215	317	226	110	2,640	NA
	%	75.0	28.8	46.2	12.2	8.6	4.2	100.0
*5.   I like the kind of work I do.	N		1,018	1,223	243	95	55	2,634	NA
	%	84.8	38.2	46.6	9.5	3.7	2.1	100.0
6.   I know what is expected of me on the job.	N		808	1,362	247	153	58	2,628	NA
	%	82.8	30.8	52.0	9.3	5.7	2.2	100.0
7.   When needed I am willing to put in the extra effort to get a job done.	N		1,670	904	52	7	9	2,642	NA
	%	97.4	62.6	34.8	2.0	0.3	0.3	100.0
8.   I am constantly looking for ways to do my job better.	N		1,198	1,193	206	24	10	2,631	NA
	%	90.7	45.0	45.7	8.1	0.9	0.4	100.0
9.   I have sufficient resources (for example, people, materials, budget) to get my job done.	N		308	1,142	406	507	272	2,635	5
	%	55.4	11.8	43.6	15.4	19.0	10.2	100.0
*10.   My workload is reasonable.	N		268	1,212	452	438	260	2,630	9
	%	56.1	10.1	46.0	17.4	16.5	10.0	100.0
*11.   My talents are used well in the workplace.	N		396	1,152	465	374	232	2,619	12
	%	58.6	14.8	43.7	18.1	14.4	9.0	100.0
*12.   I know how my work relates to the agency's goals and priorities.	N		864	1,414	220	81	48	2,627	9
	%	86.6	32.6	54.0	8.5	3.0	1.8	100.0
*13.   The work I do is important.	N		1,500	957	106	33	22	2,618	2
	%	93.9	57.5	36.4	4.0	1.3	0.8	100.0
*14.   Physical conditions (for example, noise level, temperature, lighting, cleanliness in the workplace) allow employees to perform their jobs well.	N		560	1,091	479	302	155	2,587	45
	%	64.0	21.7	42.3	18.6	11.4	5.9	100.0
*15.   My performance appraisal is a fair reflection of my performance.	N		659	1,144	337	256	212	2,608	24
	%	68.9	25.1	43.8	13.1	9.8	8.2	100.0
*16.   I am held accountable for achieving results.	N		927	1,443	198	40	17	2,625	5
	%	90.2	35.0	55.1	7.6	1.6	0.6	100.0
*17.   I can disclose a suspected violation of any law, rule or regulation without fear of reprisal.	N		555	959	528	194	221	2,457	168
	%	61.2	22.0	39.1	21.8	7.9	9.1	100.0
*18.   My training needs are assessed.	N		326	1,085	617	335	222	2,585	32
	%	54.8	12.5	42.3	23.8	12.8	8.6	100.0
*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).	N		691	1,258	299	219	153	2,620	20
	%	74.5	26.3	48.2	11.5	8.1	5.8	100.0
*20.   The people I work with cooperate to get the job done.	N		683	1,328	326	171	58	2,566	NA
	%	78.4	26.2	52.2	12.8	6.5	2.3	100.0
*21.   My work unit is able to recruit people with the right skills.	N		235	942	737	376	168	2,458	181
	%	47.4	9.3	38.0	30.4	15.2	7.0	100.0
*22.   Promotions in my work unit are based on merit.	N		289	776	722	361	275	2,423	215
	%	43.1	11.5	31.6	30.2	15.2	11.5	100.0
*23.   In my work unit, steps are taken to deal with a poor performer who cannot or will not improve.	N		188	701	716	380	285	2,270	368
	%	38.4	7.9	30.5	31.9	17.0	12.7	100.0
*24.   In my work unit, differences in performance are recognized in a meaningful way.	N		237	734	713	448	267	2,399	235
	%	39.9	9.4	30.4	29.9	18.9	11.3	100.0
25.   Awards in my work unit depend on how well employees perform their jobs.	N		359	954	552	308	247	2,420	220
	%	54.0	14.5	39.4	23.0	12.6	10.4	100.0
26.   Employees in my work unit share job knowledge with each other.	N		668	1,327	295	213	117	2,620	15
	%	76.0	25.2	50.9	11.2	8.2	4.6	100.0
*27.   The skill level in my work unit has improved in the past year.	N		380	992	717	218	104	2,411	208
	%	56.5	15.6	41.0	30.1	8.9	4.5	100.0

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Question 28

Question		Percent Positive	Very Good	Good	Fair	Poor	Very Poor	Item Response Total**	Do Not Know / No Basis to Judge
*28.   How would you rate the overall quality of work done by your work unit?	N		1,191	1,125	274	24	18	2,632	NA
	%	87.8	45.0	42.8	10.6	0.9	0.7	100.0

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Question 29

Question		Percent Positive	Strongly Agree	Agree	Neither Agree Nor Disagree	Disagree	Strongly Disagree	Item Response Total**	Do Not Know / No Basis to Judge
*29.   The workforce has the job-relevant knowledge and skills necessary to accomplish organizational goals.	N		345	1,519	417	212	57	2,550	61
	%	73.2	13.4	59.7	16.2	8.4	2.2	100.0

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Questions 30-44

Question		Percent Positive	Strongly Agree	Agree	Neither Agree Nor Disagree	Disagree	Strongly Disagree	Item Response Total**	Do Not Know No Basis to Judge
*30.   Employees have a feeling of personal empowerment with respect to work processes.	N		236	987	647	466	200	2,536	77
	%	48.0	9.1	38.8	25.7	18.4	7.9	100.0
31.   Employees are recognized for providing high quality products and services.	N		334	1,061	519	412	183	2,509	105
	%	55.3	12.9	42.4	20.7	16.6	7.4	100.0
*32.   Creativity and innovation are rewarded.	N		238	744	750	452	266	2,450	160
	%	39.7	9.3	30.3	31.0	18.4	11.0	100.0
*33.   Pay raises depend on how well employees perform their jobs.	N		200	809	706	441	251	2,407	198
	%	41.8	8.2	33.6	29.3	18.3	10.6	100.0
34.   Policies and programs promote diversity in the workplace (for example, recruiting minorities and women, training in awareness of diversity issues, mentoring).	N		318	955	703	165	136	2,277	326
	%	55.1	13.4	41.7	31.1	7.5	6.4	100.0
*35.   Employees are protected from health and safety hazards on the job.	N		380	1,243	544	238	108	2,513	90
	%	64.4	14.8	49.6	21.6	9.5	4.4	100.0
*36.   My organization has prepared employees for potential security threats.	N		404	1,406	446	218	79	2,553	50
	%	70.9	15.9	55.0	17.5	8.4	3.1	100.0
37.   Arbitrary action, personal favoritism and coercion for partisan political purposes are not tolerated.	N		384	902	589	261	243	2,379	223
	%	53.4	15.6	37.8	25.2	10.9	10.4	100.0
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.	N		524	1,021	492	133	148	2,318	286
	%	65.7	22.0	43.7	21.9	5.8	6.5	100.0
39.   My agency is successful at accomplishing its mission.	N		559	1,418	388	113	58	2,536	49
	%	77.6	21.7	55.9	15.4	4.6	2.4	100.0
40.   I recommend my organization as a good place to work.	N		677	1,080	487	238	122	2,604	NA
	%	67.1	25.6	41.4	18.9	9.3	4.7	100.0
41.   I believe the results of this survey will be used to make my agency a better place to work.	N		367	880	624	304	232	2,407	201
	%	51.7	15.2	36.6	25.9	12.6	9.8	100.0
*42.   My supervisor supports my need to balance work and other life issues.	N		973	1,081	268	142	120	2,584	22
	%	79.2	37.1	42.1	10.6	5.4	4.8	100.0
43.   My supervisor/team leader provides me with opportunities to demonstrate my leadership skills.	N		692	991	515	225	162	2,585	16
	%	64.9	26.4	38.4	20.1	8.6	6.4	100.0
*44.   Discussions with my supervisor/team leader about my performance are worthwhile.	N		690	1,041	434	213	180	2,558	37
	%	67.7	26.8	40.9	17.0	8.2	7.1	100.0

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Questions 45-51

Question		Percent Positive	Strongly Agree	Agree	Neither Agree Nor Disagree	Disagree	Strongly Disagree	Item Response Total**	Do Not Know No Basis to Judge
45.   My supervisor/team leader is committed to a workforce representative of all segments of society.	N		672	970	533	71	93	2,339	263
	%	69.7	28.2	41.5	23.2	3.1	4.1	100.0
46.   My supervisor/team leader provides me with constructive suggestions to improve my job performance.	N		651	1,081	465	226	159	2,582	18
	%	66.9	24.9	42.0	18.2	8.8	6.1	100.0
*47.   Supervisors/team leaders in my work unit support employee development.	N		702	1,058	436	182	158	2,536	55
	%	69.0	27.3	41.7	17.5	7.1	6.4	100.0
48.   My supervisor/team leader listens to what I have to say.	N		966	1,070	311	174	80	2,601	NA
	%	78.2	36.8	41.4	12.0	6.7	3.1	100.0
49.   My supervisor/team leader treats me with respect.	N		1,075	1,097	230	123	78	2,603	NA
	%	83.4	41.0	42.4	9.0	4.7	2.9	100.0
50.   In the last six months, my supervisor/team leader has talked with me about my performance.	N		916	1,317	166	148	49	2,596	NA
	%	85.9	35.1	50.8	6.5	5.7	1.9	100.0
*51.   I have trust and confidence in my supervisor.	N		919	894	402	211	159	2,585	NA
	%	69.7	35.1	34.6	15.9	8.1	6.3	100.0

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Question 52

Question		Percent Positive	Very Good	Good	Fair	Poor	Very Poor	Item Response Total**	Do Not Know / No Basis to Judge
*52.   Overall, how good a job do you feel is being done by your immediate supervisor/team leader?	N		1092	822	424	158	98	2594	NA
	%	73.6	41.7	31.9	16.6	6.1	3.7	100.0

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Questions 53-57

Question		Percent Positive	Strongly Agree	Agree	Neither Agree Nor Disagree	Disagree	Strongly Disagree	Item Response Total**	Do Not Know / No Basis to Judge
*53.   In my organization, leaders generate high levels of motivation and commitment in the workforce.	N		287	944	644	423	235	2,533	52
	%	48.0	11.0	37.0	25.7	16.7	9.6	100.0
54.   My organization's leaders maintain high standards of honesty and integrity.	N		458	1,032	532	233	181	2,436	147
	%	60.4	18.3	42.1	22.1	9.8	7.7	100.0
*55.   Managers/ supervisors /team leaders work well with employees of different backgrounds.	N		458	1,151	523	156	107	2,395	185
	%	66.4	18.5	48.0	22.1	6.8	4.7	100.0
*56.   Managers communicate the goals and priorities of the organization.	N		476	1,377	423	177	103	2,556	23
	%	72.1	18.1	54.0	16.6	7.0	4.2	100.0
*57.   Managers review and evaluate the organization's progress toward meeting its goals and objectives.	N		439	1,305	486	124	71	2,425	153
	%	71.4	17.5	53.9	20.3	5.3	3.0	100.0

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Questions 58-59

Question		Percent Positive	Strongly Agree	Agree	Neither Agree Nor Disagree	Disagree	Strongly Disagree	Item Response Total**	Do Not Know No Basis to Judge
58.   Managers promote communication among different work units (for example, about projects, goals, needed resources).	N		371	1,003	605	321	179	2,479	99
	%	55.1	14.5	40.6	24.6	12.9	7.4	100.0
59.   Managers support collaboration across work units to accomplish work objectives.	N		400	1,056	577	264	159	2,456	105
	%	58.9	15.8	43.1	23.6	10.8	6.6	100.0

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Question 60

Question		Percent Positive	Very Good	Good	Fair	Poor	Very Poor	Item Response Total**	Do Not Know / No Basis to Judge
60.   Overall, how good a job do you feel is being done by the manager directly above your immediate supervisor/team leader?	N		598	923	519	190	152	2382	196
	%	63.3	24.3	38.9	22.4	7.9	6.4	100.0

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Questions 61-62

Question		Percent Positive	Strongly Agree	Agree	Neither Agree Nor Disagree	Disagree	Strongly Disagree	Item Response Total**	Do Not Know / No Basis to Judge
*61.   I have a high level of respect for my organization's senior leaders.	N		537	934	577	274	195	2,517	36
	%	58.0	21.0	37.0	23.2	10.9	7.8	100.0
62.   Senior leaders demonstrate support for Work/Life programs.	N		504	924	564	185	152	2,329	240
	%	60.7	21.1	39.6	24.6	8.1	6.6	100.0

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Questions 63-68

Question		Percent Positive	Very Satisfied	Satisfied	Neither Satisfied nor Dis- satisfied	Dissatisfied	Very Dissatisfied	Item Response Total**	Do Not Know / No Basis to Judge
*63. How satisfied are you with your involvement in decisions that affect your work?	N		352	984	637	470	133	2576	NA
	%	51.7	13.2	38.5	25.0	18.1	5.2	100.0
*64. How satisfied are you with the information you receive from management on what's going on in your organization?	N		319	1069	614	432	137	2571	NA
	%	53.8	12.0	41.8	23.9	16.9	5.4	100.0
*65. How satisfied are you with the recognition you receive for doing a good job?	N		471	939	575	387	198	2570	NA
	%	54.6	18.0	36.6	22.5	15.2	7.8	100.0
*66. How satisfied are you with the policies and practices of your senior leaders?	N		297	922	768	419	167	2573	NA
	%	46.9	11.2	35.7	30.1	16.5	6.5	100.0
*67. How satisfied are you with your opportunity to get a better job in your organization?	N		281	741	723	493	333	2571	NA
	%	39.3	10.6	28.6	28.3	19.3	13.1	100.0
*68. How satisfied are you with the training you receive for your present job?	N		325	1049	613	397	190	2574	NA
	%	53.5	12.5	41.0	23.5	15.5	7.5	100.0

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Questions 69-71

Question		Percent Positive	Very Satisfied	Satisfied	Neither Satisfied nor Dis- satisfied	Dissatisfied	Very Dissatisfied	Item Response Total**	"Do Not Know No Basis to Judge"
*69.   "Considering everything, how satisfied are you with your job?"	N		643	1,194	385	237	113	2,572	NA
	%	71.3	24.7	46.6	15.0	9.3	4.4	100.0
*70.   "Considering everything, how satisfied are you with your pay?"	N		688	1,253	312	240	79	2,572	NA
	%	75.0	26.3	48.7	12.2	9.7	3.0	100
71.   "Considering everything, how satisfied are you with your organization?"	N		469	1,208	456	304	135	2,572	NA
	%	65.0	17.9	47.1	17.8	11.9	5.3	100

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Question 72

Question		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**
72.   Please select the response below that BEST describes your teleworking situation.	N		1,051	514	236	129	273	318	2,521
	%	15.8	43.0	19.5	9.1	5.0	10.7	12.7

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Questions 73-78

Question		Percent Positive	Very Satisfied	Satisfied	Neither Satisfied nor Dissatisfied	Dissatisfied	Very Dissatisfied	Item Response Total**	"Do Not Know No Basis to Judge"
73.   How satisfied are you with the following Work/Life programs in your agency... Telework?	N		774	727	416	190	118	2,225	332
	%	67.8	35.5	32.3	18.6	8.4	5.2	100.0
74.   How satisfied are you with the following Work/Life programs in your agency... Alternative Work Schedules (AWS)?	N		1,051	738	322	45	39	2,195	377
	%	81.7	48.4	33.3	14.7	1.9	1.7	100.0
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)?"	N		278	601	604	200	128	1,811	757
	%	48.6	15.6	33.0	33.5	11.0	6.9	100
76.   How satisfied are you with the following Work/Life programs in your agency... Employee Assistance Program (EAP)?	N		178	411	613	54	32	1,288	1,284
	%	45.9	14.1	31.8	47.5	4.0	2.6	100
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)?"	N		80	119	627	67	65	958	1,611
	%	21.3	8.7	12.6	64.9	6.9	6.9	100
78.   "How satisfied are you with the following Work/Life programs in your agency... Elder Care Programs (for example, support groups, speakers)?"	N		101	203	630	40	26	1,000	1,560
	%	30.2	10.3	19.9	63.2	3.9	2.7	100

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Questions 79-89

Question	Response	Number	Percent
79.   Where do you work?	Headquarters	956	37.7
	Field	1,580	62.3
	Total	2,536	100.0
*80.   What is your supervisory status?	Non-Supervisor	2,023	78.8
	Team Leader	206	8.0
	Supervisor	222	8.7
	Manager	82	3.2
	Executive	33	1.3
	Total	2,566	100
*81.   Are you:	Male	997	39.0
	Female	1,559	61.0
	Total	2,556	100.0
*82.   Are you Hispanic or Latino?	Yes	137	5.4
	No	2,395	94.6
	Total	2,532	100.0
*83.   Please select the racial category or categories with which you most closely identify (mark as many as apply.)	American Indian or Alaska Native	19	0.8
	Asian	60	2.4
	Black or African American	517	20.9
	Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander	13	0.5
	White	1,813	73.4
	Two or more races	49	2.0
	Total	2,471	100
84.   What is your age group?	25 and under	46	1.8
	26-29	155	6.1
	30-39	443	17.5
	40-49	711	28.1
	50-59	881	34.8
	60 or older	297	11.7
	Total	2,533	100
85.   What is your pay category/grade?	Federal Wage System	4	0.2
	GS 1-6	123	4.8
	GS 7-12	1,560	61.1
	GS 13-15	834	32.7
	Senior Executive Service	29	1.1
	Senior Leader (SL) or Scientific or Professional (ST)	1	0.0
	Other	2	0.1
	Total	2,553	100.0
86.   How long have you been with the Federal Government (excluding military service)?	Less than 1 year	27	1.1
	1 to 3 years	313	12.3
	4 to 5 years	267	10.5
	6 to 10 years	395	15.6
	11 to 14 years	171	6.7
	15 to 20 years	257	10.1
	More than 20 years	1,110	43.7
	Total	2,540	100.0
87.   How long have you been with your current agency (for example, Department of Justice, Environmental Protection Agency)?	Less than 1 year	48	1.9
	1 to 3 years	533	20.9
	4 to 5 years	679	26.7
	6 to 10 years	461	18.1
	11 to 20 years	286	11.2
	More than 20 years	540	21.2
	Total	2,547	100
88.   Are you considering leaving your organization within the next year, and if so, why?	No	1,809	71.0
	Yes, to retire	135	5.3
	Yes, to take another job within the Federal Government	521	20.4
	Yes, to take another job outside the Federal Government	24	0.9
	Yes, other	60	2.4
	Total	2,549	100
89.   I am planning to retire:	Within one year	82	3.2
	Between one and three years	297	11.8
	Between three and five years	257	10.2
	Five or more years	1,888	74.8
	Total	2,524	100

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