Washington, DC - From May 4 to 10, the Office of Personnel Management is celebrating Public Service Recognition Week. PSRW, a week dedicated to the service of the Federal workforce, will feature opportunities for agencies to recognize the work of Federal employees who serve their country at home and abroad. The week’s events are also aimed at furthering the goals of the President’s Management Agenda by empowering the Federal workforce to recognize its strengths and the contributions of public servants.

Federal employees are our neighbors and our family members; they are a part of our communities and their presence is felt everywhere. They are well-educated: Nearly 27 percent have college degrees and nearly 23 percent have advanced degrees. They work hard: Ninety percent say that they are willing to put in extra effort on their jobs, despite the seemingly endless rounds of furloughs, pay freezes, budget showdowns and government shutdowns of recent years, according to the most recent Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey. Like us, Federal employees persevere through tough times and continue to do their jobs with passion, professionalism and skill.

“Federal employees are dedicated, hard-working and passionate about what they do, and they play such an important role in making this country a great place to live. This week, let’s thank them for their service,” said OPM Director Katherine Archuleta.

Throughout the week, OPM is encouraging Federal employees to share real stories recognizing the work of public servants by using #FedSpirit on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to spread the word.

On Tuesday, May 6, Director Archuleta will throw out the first pitch at the Washington Nationals baseball game on Government Employee Appreciation Night. Five Federal employees who represent the spirit of PSRW will be asked to join her on the field as she makes her major league debut.

On Thursday, May 8, Director Archuleta will join Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker, Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez at the 2014 PSRW Town Hall. The Partnership for Public Service and Public Employees Roundtable will host a discussion about the value of government service, ways to communicate that value to the American people and best practices to support and motivate employees in a challenging and uncertain environment.

Throughout the week, Federal agencies are encouraged to recognize their employees in meaningful and inspiring ways.