Survey Finds HUD Employees Feeling Safer, More Empowered, and Valued in 2023

2023 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey also finds increases in HUD workforce’s dedication to the common good, leadership’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today released the results of the 2023 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS), which found that in general, HUD employees feel more protected in their workplace, empowered, and valued in their roles than before.

The FEVS, which is the largest annual survey of government employees in the world, tracks how federal employees view their current work environment, including workforce management, policies, and new initiatives. The survey is an unmatched government data asset that collects employee feedback from more than 80 executive agencies to assist in driving improvement and supporting the workforce to serve the American people.

“As we entered 2023, I made a commitment to making HUD easier to navigate for those we serve – and that includes our own employees,” said HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge. “Today’s results show us that we have made serious progress in our efforts to make sure HUD employees feel valued, safe, and included on our team while also ensuring accessibility and diversity in the workplace.”

Some of the responses that saw the highest positive increases and the most positive responses overall included:

• “Employees are protected from health and safety hazards on the job.”
• “I can influence decisions in my work unit.”
• “Management involves employees in decisions that affect their work.”
• “It is important to me that my work contribute to the common good.”
• “Employees in my work unit meet the needs of our customers.”

“Public service is a noble calling; and HUD's mission to create strong, sustainable, and inclusive communities is critical,” said HUD Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman. “It is so important that HUD's employees feel engaged and supported, and I am pleased that our efforts are having an impact as we seek to build a better HUD from the inside out.”

At HUD and across the federal government, three major increases display the Department’s progress on employee engagement, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, and each employee’s satisfaction in their job:

• The Employee Engagement Index score, which increased to HUD’s highest-ever score – 77 percent positive overall – saw positive increases in the integrity of leadership, relationships between worker and supervisor, and employees’ feelings of motivation and competency.
• HUD’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility score increased to 75 percent, including a notable 3.1-point increase in accessibility – developing facilities, communications, programs, and services so that all employees, including those with disabilities, can fully and independently use them.
• The Global Satisfaction Index score, which measures employee satisfaction overall, increased to 72 percent. This includes increases in satisfaction of one’s job, pay, organization, and a 3.6-point increase in employees’ recommendation of HUD as a good place to work.

Making HUD easier to navigate remains a leading priority of Secretary Fudge and the Biden-Harris Administration, from studying how to reduce administrative burden to ensuring FHA resources are accessible to borrowers with limited English proficiency. This focus is not only external, but internal as well, as Secretary Fudge seeks to build an enriching, inclusive, and creative work environment within the Department. The results shown today in the full report reflect this adherence to accessibility, inclusion, and empowerment.

HUD’s Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer provides support to employees under the mantra: “You Spoke, We Listened, This Happened!” Through events like HUD’s All-Staff Town Halls and Leadership Conference, HUD leaders work to empower employees with the resources to succeed, provide insight for management and policymaking, and infuse the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility into the Department’s work.

To view the entire summary of HUD’s 2023 FEVS results, see the report linked here.