Bill would increase DHS workforce morale

A bill introduced in the U.S. House last week would aim to improve employee morale at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which ranked last among the 17 major Federal agencies for morale in 2018, according to the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey.

Since being in 2003, DHS has consistently ranked near the bottom. The agency has more than 240,000 employees.

The bill, the Department of Homeland Security Morale, Recognition, Learning and Engagement Act, would identify and address factors that impact employee engagement, create and catalogue leadership development opportunities, and recognize employee contributions.

 “As the Committee that authorizes and oversees the Department, it’s our job not only to ensure DHS employees have a workplace that is engaging and rewarding, but to help shape a Department that is able to recruit and hire the best available talent,” Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), who introduced the bill, said.“Under the Trump Administration, it’s especially important we do all we can to support and empower the employees of DHS. The men and women at DHS perform critical national security missions every day – ensuring their high morale is key to ensuring our country’s safety.”

Thompson is Homeland Security Committee chairman.

The bill has been endorsed by federal employee unions.