Looking Back on 2020 and Forward to 2021 with Federal Employee Associations
Federal employees, like the rest of the country, have had a challenging year. The final FEDtalk episode of 2020 reviewed the year through the lens of some federal employee associations. Host Tony Verngetti discussed how COVID-19 changed the landscape for federal employee associations and what the future holds in 2021.
This discussion included Abe Brown, President of the Federal Executive Institute Alumni Association (FEIAA), Dr. Vivian Chen, Chair of Asian American Government Executives Network (AAGEN), and Jason Briefel, Director of Policy and Outreach for the Senior Executives Association (SEA). The guests discussed major changes that federal employees can expect in 2021 and what issues will be prevalent for federal employees in 2021.
FEIAA’s Abe Brown talked about the value of the Federal Executive Institute experience as a common bond for members of FEIAA. Classes are taught in a hybrid way with both online and in-person training provided. Brown says of the program, “You can not only meet colleagues that you can depend and rely on, but you make lifelong friends.”
AAGEN’s Vivian Chen shared information on its scholarship opportunity for young people who want to work in public service. The scholarship offers a pipeline from college directly into federal service.
The group discussed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on government. According to Abe Brown, “Federal employees believe there is hope for stability around the corner,” noting the FDA approval of two vaccines for the public.
Dr. Chen says the biggest adjustment for federal employees across the board has been adjusting to teleworking and ensuring they have secure internet connection now that telework is long-term.
The largest impact federal government is lack of ability to conduct business the way it used to. The group also talked about the importance of balancing accountability with autonomy in the federal government moving forward.
When asked about whether or not federal employees will resist returning to work, SEA’s Briefel says that resistance is likely, even justified to an extent, as employees have proven they can work from home. There will need to be a clear change to management structures as direct physical oversight has proven to be unnecessary and sometimes ineffective.
The guests also discussed efforts of their associations to pivot training and member engagement activities online. While in-person interaction has been lost, barriers to access have been removed, allowing members from across the country and globe to remain digitally connected.
Briefel noted that SEA successfully hosted a 3-day virtual leadership summit for over 500 people in December. Brown and Chen said FEIAA and AAGEN, respectively, were hoping to hold their signature events in 2021 in person but are preparing for virtual.
You can stream the show online anytime via the Federal News Network app and listen to the FEDtalk podcast on PodcastOne and Apple Podcasts.
FEDtalk is a live talk show produced by Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., a federal employment law firm. Bringing you the insider’s perspective from leaders in the federal community since 1993.
FEDtalk is sponsored by the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP). The FLTCIP is sponsored by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, insured by John Hancock Life & Health Insurance Company, under a group long term care insurance policy, and administered by Long Term Care Partners, LLC (doing business as FedPoint).