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OPM.gov / Policy / Performance Management / Performance Management Playbook
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Incentivizing High Performance

Awarding and recognizing employees strategically support efforts in creating a high-performance workplace culture where outstanding employee efforts are celebrated and rewarded.

Performance-Based Awards

All Career Employees

  • Agencies should set aside at least 60% of their SES, SP, and non-SES/SP bonus pools to Level 4 and Level 5 performers

  • For non-SES/SP employees rated at Level 3, performance-based awards should not exceed 1% of salary

Performance-Based Pay Adjustments

Career SES and SP Employees

  • Agencies should only provide performance-based pay adjustments to employees who achieve either a Level 4 or Level 5 rating

Time-Off Awards

All Employees

  • Federal employees serving under a political appointment are eligible

Quality Step Increases

  • Recognizes and rewards career GS employees who display outstanding performance

  • Schedule C and Schedule G employees are NOT eligible

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