FAQ: FEVS (Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey)

  • Q: What is the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey?

    A: 

    The Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS) is an annual survey administered by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). It is a tool that measures Federal Government employees' perceptions of whether, and to what extent, conditions characterizing successful organizations are present in their agencies. This is an opportunity for our employees to candidly share their perceptions about their work experiences, organizations, and leaders. The ultimate goal of the survey is to provide the National Institutes of Health (NIH) with information to build on strengths and improve challenge areas.

  • Q: When and by whom will the survey be administered?

    A: 

    The FEVS is an annual survey administered by OPM to eligible federal employees. The survey opens the week of May 20 and closes on July 5, 2024.  

  • Q: How is the survey administered?

    A: 

    The FEVS is a web-based survey, and employees will receive an email invitation from OPM containing a unique link to the survey. Employees who have not completed the survey will receive an email reminder on the week of June 3, June 17, and July 1 with their personalized survey link. Invitations to complete the survey will come from:

  • Q: Who is eligible to take the survey?

    A: 

    Full- and part-time permanent, non-seasonal employees, including Title 42 and Commissioned Corps employees, on-board on or before November 30, 2023. Contractors are not eligible for FEVS participation.

  • Q: How long does it take to complete the survey?

    A: 

    You should be able to complete the survey in approximately 20-25 minutes.

  • Q: How do I know that my responses will remain confidential?

    A: 

    OPM is responsible for administering the FEVS and does not provide raw data to any participating Federal agencies. Therefore, no HHS Operating Divisions will have access to any individuals’ responses. All reports provided to HHS from OPM will present calculated aggregate percentages only. All data are rolled up to reports that have at least 10 responses to protect the confidentiality of all respondents to the FEVS. Please review the confidentiality infographic and/or the confidentiality video to learn about the process.

  • Q: Is the survey voluntary?

    A: 

    Yes, the survey is voluntary, but participation is encouraged and valued. We use your input to gauge how we are doing, where we can improve, and create positive changes throughout the agency. Please help us ensure that the NIH excels at providing a safe, effective, and engaging workplace for all our employees. 

  • Q: May I pass/forward the survey on to someone else to take?

    A: 

    No, each link to the survey is unique and can only be used once. Please do not forward your link to any individuals or groups, because after the survey has been completed by one person, the link will no longer allow you to access the survey.

  • Q: Who/what are the some of the terms referring to (e.g. agency and senior leader)?

    A: 

    Please visit the FEVS Key Terms page for a list of NIH definitions to key terms used on the FEVS.

  • Q: Why does the survey include demographic questions?

    A: 

    NIH and the Federal Government are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace. Given that policy, we are soliciting responses to the demographic items in the survey. Your responses are voluntary, confidential, and will be used to enhance understanding of the diversity of the NIH and Federal Government workforce.

  • Q: What do I do if I encounter technical difficulties in receiving or completing the survey?

    A: 

    If the personalized link enclosed in your individual email does not take you directly to the survey, copy and paste the link into the address bar of your web browser. You may also try to manually type in the link as well.
    If you still are unable to access the survey, please contact EVHE@opm.gov. Alternatively, you can contact your IC’s point of contact or the Office of Human Resources for assistance.

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