Washington , DC - The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has launched the 2006 Federal Human Capital Survey (FHCS), which will be sent throughout the federal government through the end of August.

"The success of each agency depends on the talents and abilities of the federal workforce," said OPM Director Linda M. Springer. "The ability of agencies to recruit and retain the very best and brightest individuals depends, in large part, on the quality of the work environment in which federal employees work."

The FHCS includes 84 items intended to gauge employee perceptions on whether they are effectively led and managed, if they have opportunities to grow professionally and advance in their careers, and if their contributions are truly valued and recognized.

"Following OPM's administration of the first two surveys in 2002 and 2004, we have implemented a number of human capital improvements across the federal government," said Springer. "The 2006 FHCS will tell agency leaders how far they've come in creating better working environments for employees and what remains to be done."

More than 400,000 employees in approximately 80 departments and agencies across the Executive Branch have been invited to participate in the FHCS.

Our mission is to ensure the Federal Government has an effective civilian workforce. OPM supports U.S. agencies with personnel services and policy leadership including staffing tools, guidance on labor-management relations and programs to improve work force performance.