Homeland Security Employees Distressed, Survey Shows

If They’re Unhappy, We’re All in Trouble: The federal Homeland Security Department continues to struggle with low employee morale. Although 91 percent of respondents believe strongly in the agency’s work, and nearly 80 percent say they work collaboratively with colleagues to get work done, dissatisfaction exists in the areas of leadership and growth opportunities. Slightly more than half believe they are given opportunities to improve their skills. And less than 60 percent of workers express “trust and confidence” in their immediate supervisors. Scores are worse when it comes to evaluations by managers: Only 45 percent of employees believe their training needs get assessed on a regular basis. In general, DHS employees appear jaded about their prospects for career advancement. In two especially troubling findings, a mere 25 percent believe promotions within the agency are based on merit, while less than 30 percent say they are rewarded for creativity and innovation.