Balancing Work Responsibilities And Family Needs The Federal Civil Service Response

Concerns significant actions of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management in providing leadership to some of the Government1s human resource management programs. Specifically, it reviews selected employee benefits -- child care, elder care, alternative work schedules, part-time employment, flexiplace and leave-sharing programs. Also covers 3cafeteria benefits2, emerging benefit areas, program leadership and policy issues.

The report examines the significant actions taken by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management in providing leadership to some of the Government's human resource management programs. Specifically, it reviews selected employee benefits which can help civilian Federal workers balance their work responsibilities and personal needs. Our analysis also addresses the role and responsibilities of Federal agencies in implementing these programs. Finally, the report examines how the Federal Government can improve its status as a model employer in the work and family benefits area.

This report examines actions of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management in providing leadership to several of the government's human resource management programs in the work and family benefits area. It reviews employee benefit programs that help civilian federal workers balance their work responsibilities and personal needs. Programs reviewed are those in the areas of: (1) child care; (2) elder care; (3) alterative work schedules; (4) part-time employment and job sharing; (5) flexible workplaces, or "flexiplaces"; (6) leave sharing programs; and (7) flexible or "cafeteria" benefits plans. The role and responsibilities of federal agencies in implementing programs in each area are addressed. Also examined are ways in which the federal government can improve its status as a model employer in the work and family benefits area. The report concludes with several recommendations for improving the government's attractiveness as an employer in a reasonable, fiscally responsible manner. Appended are 99 endnotes, which include references, and a letter from the Director of the Office of Personnel Management with comments on the report. (GLR)