The 2024 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS) is in, and there’s some good news. Across the board, federal employees are reporting higher satisfaction, stronger engagement, and more trust in leadership than we’ve seen in over a decade.
Conducted by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), FEVS is one of the largest workforce surveys in the country, and its findings shape how agencies recruit, lead, and retain employees. With more than 674,000 participants weighing in, this year’s results offer a reliable snapshot of how Feds are feeling about their jobs. This notable shift in sentiment could potentially have an impact on how agencies operate and how employees plan for their futures. Here’s what you need to know.
A Surge in Positivity Across the Workforce
In 2024, the Employee Engagement Index (EEI) hit a governmentwide record of 73%, with steady growth in subcategories like leadership trust and meaningful work. Supervisory relationships scored an impressive 81%, and the Intrinsic Work Experience category rose to 75%. Notably, these scores are the highest they’ve been since FEVS began tracking them in 2010.
This marks a meaningful recovery from a slight dip in 2022, when engagement and satisfaction scores declined in the wake of pandemic-era disruptions. The rebound in 2023 and 2024 suggests that many agencies have responded with a stronger focus on communication, support, and long-term workforce strategy.
The Global Satisfaction Index, which reflects how employees feel about their jobs, pay, and organizations, also rose slightly to 65%, up from 64% in 2023. Overall, Feds reported stronger connections to agency missions and a greater sense of purpose in their roles.
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The Potential Impact on Federal Careers
For years, one of the federal government’s greatest challenges has been attracting and keeping talent. With retirements on the rise and private-sector competition always in play, strong morale can become a strategic advantage.
Higher employee satisfaction typically correlates with lower turnover and more predictable agency operations. When you're confident in your role and agency direction, you can make more informed decisions about your federal benefits. This includes optimizing your TSP allocations, evaluating FEGLI coverage needs, and setting realistic retirement timelines.
Engaged agencies also tend to have more stable funding and clearer strategic direction. This can affect everything from training budgets to position security — factors that matter when you're planning major life decisions.
An Engaged Federal Workforce Creates New Opportunities
This upward shift in federal job satisfaction trends has the potential to create a ripple effect across many agencies. As agency leaders see the clear connections between culture, communication, and leadership on employee morale, they’re likely to prioritize these fundamentals.
Improved workplace conditions can accelerate career timelines. When agencies focus on employee engagement, they often streamline processes, increase training budgets, and create clearer advancement pathways. Career moves that might have taken years could happen faster in a more supportive environment. If your agency scored well, now might be the time to pursue that detail, apply for leadership programs, or discuss career progression with your supervisor.
Moving Forward With Confidence
The 2024 survey results show that government work is heading in the right direction. For Feds, this is more than just interesting data — it’s a reminder that your work matters, and your outlook is improving.
A stronger workplace environment can give you the breathing room to focus on what’s next. Whether you're thinking about retirement, benefits, or long-term planning, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional can help you build a plan that supports your long-term goals. Contact the team at Serving Those Who Serve at [email protected] to get started.
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