Probationary Period: A Critical Assessment Opportunity. A Report to the President and the Congress of the United States by the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board

摘要

The Federal Government's human capital is its most vital asset. With the wide range of increasingly complex skills needed for the 21st century public service, and the vital responsibility of civilian employees in the defense of our nation, it is more imperative than ever that candidates for Federal appointments are thoroughly assessed. The probationary period can be a highly effective tool to evaluate a candidate's potential to be an asset to the Government before an appointment becomes final. However, the probationary period is effective only if agencies use it to assess their candidates and act upon those assessments. This report explores how agencies are using-or failing to use-the probationary period to ensure only the best candidates receive finalized appointments as Federal employees. We found that one obstacle is in the phrasing of the law regarding probationers and the limitations it effectively imposes on establishing probationary periods of more than one year. Our study also reveals that many roadblocks to successfully using the probationary period come from within the agencies themselves. An unwillingness to assess candidates, or to act upon an assessment, prevents the probationary period from being as effective as it can and should be. This report provides recommendations for changes in the law to increase the ability of agencies to use the probationary period more effectively. It also includes suggestions to assist agencies to meet their responsibility to assess probationers and act upon those assessments to ensure the American people are served by the most talented workforce possible.