One of the most important aspects of using a climate survey is translating results into action. At the beginning of November, OPM released results from the 2013 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS). The governmentwide results showed continued strength in areas related to employee engagement, but also showed opportunities for improvement. Individual agencies have their own unique areas of strength and opportunity. Agencies can maximize survey results to bring about organizational change through a strategic action planning process. Action planning is a change management activity that enables agencies to improve their ability to achieve agency goals. As a strategic tool, action planning enhances an agency’s capability to gain an in depth understanding of the challenges it faces, and the capability to manage those challenges to promote higher organizational performance. While the specific approach to action planning can vary, it often involves:

• Understanding survey results
• Identifying priorities
• Communicating results and priorities
• Exploring critical areas through focus group or other learning activities
• Capturing best practices
• Preparing and implementing action plans
• Communicating outcomes
• Monitoring progress

When done correctly, action planning is a proven approach to successfully manage, implement and sustain organizational change. OPM offers a broad range of action planning services to help federal agencies act on their survey results. Our action planning services are designed with a solid foundation in theory, research, and practice, and incorporate the latest developments in the areas of change management, action research, action learning, strategic management, and learning organizations. Our approach to action planning is structured, but flexible, and can be tailored to each organization’s specific needs.

For more information on how to leverage action planning to get the most out of your agency’s FEVS Survey results contact Organizational_Assessment@OPM.gov.