It's been a few weeks of lending an ear to my Fed friends. They are resilient and they are making their plans for return to office or to retire. None I know are taking the "Fork in the Road". Things we've talked about this week include:
Knowledge is power.
In times like these don't expect your rights to be acknowledged or granted. You may need to assert enforcement of your rights and having knowledge is your way to do that. If you don't know anything about HR rules for Feds, FEDWeek has some great books that are up to date on a variety of Federal employee topics. Books I have (which are at or around $15 each) are:
Federal Employees Handbook
FERS Retirement Guide
The Books of Answers for Federal Employees and Retirees
The Federal Employee's Legal Handbook
(NOTE: I get nothing from this. I used these books as a Fed manager over the years and to help me when I was working through decisions as I completed my retirement package 2 years ago.)
Download your eOPF.
I keep saying it. Please do it right now. Keep it on a device that is NOT your Federal device. Within your eOPF find...
✅ your current position description,
✅ last two SF50s,
✅ all of your documents where you last elected any benefits (i.e., health, vision, dental, life, long-term care) and any changes you made after that original election,
✅ your current performance plan with your performance elements documented in detail, and
✅ your last three performance ratings received (minimum).
Read them and know what they say. If you get pulled into some last minute (surprise) call from an agency rep about your status, pay, position, etc., you can think and talk from a place of knowledge.
Document, document, document.
✅ Do not delete the "Fork" and other OPM or agency emails about your employment before printing them or saving them to another device. Start collecting files/documents... whatever way works for you. If you aren't an organized person, ask a friend or family member for help if you are feeling overwhelmed.
✅ Document every verbal discussion. Annotate dates/times and take notes at one-on-one meetings with your supervisor, those within your working group, branch, division, and all townhall meetings. Record who was in attendance and method used. Ask for copies of all slides and handouts.
Challenge adverse actions quickly.
You may be on a very short 30-day deadline to file any challenge. Check with your union and obtain legal counseling.
NOTE: The Administration has removed all Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) provider lists from the OPM site. Legal advisors were included in the EAP prior to Jan 20th.
💙 If you or someone you know are experiencing depression or other feelings of dread or despair related to these events, please reach out to others for help. Call 988 or visit https://988lifeline.org/get-help/ 💙
Original LinkedIn post is found here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/shauna-weatherly_fw-handbooks-activity-7291252021418938368-REdx?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAA6vqSABLArM73HgjpmDnYG-5LRTJXgTTYQ
DISCLAIMERS:
CONSULT YOUR AGENCY HR OFFICE OR AN ATTORNEY KNOWLEDGABLE IN FEDERAL EMPLOYEE LAW OR PAY BEFORE MAKING ANY DECISION OR TAKING ANY ACTION THAT IMPACTS OR CHANGES YOUR FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT STATUS.
ADVICE PROVIDED BY FEDSUBK DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL OR FIDUCIARY ADVICE NOR DOES IT CREATE A BINDING LEGAL OR FIDUCIARY RESPONSIBILITY BETWEEN FEDSUBK AND CLIENT. CLIENTS ARE ADVISED TO HAVE ALL DOCUMENTS REVIEWED BY AN ATTORNEY PRIOR TO USE.
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