Calendar

FELTG Executive Director Deborah Hopkins instructing a class
Jul
12
Tue
Webinar Series – The Federal Supervisor’s Workshop: Building the Best Toolkit for Managing Today’s Workforce
Jul 12 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Marcus Hill, Barbara Haga, Katherine Atkinson, Bob Woods, Joseph Schimansky

Course Description

Federal supervisors and advisers: Your time is valuable as ever, yet your challenges are changing — and growing.

FELTG’s annual supervisory training event returns in 2022 with a new look and focus. We’re still offering comprehensive training that expands upon legal principles to provide you with the necessary tools and best practices to manage the agency workplace effectively and efficiently. But this time, we take a laser focus on sessions that specifically address the unique challenges faced by supervisors in agencies across the country, and around the world.

These monthly 60-minute webinars provide you with the legal foundation for managing distinct situations regarding performance and conduct accountability, reasonable accommodation, sick leave, harassment, and labor relations (for those of you who supervise bargaining unit employees). But the guidance provided will help you build the necessary framework to tackle other equally specific and challenging situations.

These sessions are held live and provide an opportunity to ask questions — and get answers — from FELTG’s experienced instructors.

2022 dates:

March 8: Understanding Performance vs. Misconduct: Is it a performance issue or a conduct issue? Knowing how to answer this question will allow you to take the appropriate action. This webinar will teach the distinction between performance and conduct; provide an overview on holding employees accountable; discuss the “can’t vs. won’t” conundrum; and set the stage for defensible discipline and performance actions.

April 12: Insubordinate Employee? Don’t Mess With the Wrong Elements: Ever have an employee who refused to follow your orders? What if the employee failed to follow the order, but you’re not sure if it was intentional? The first step to dealing with the issue is to understand the word “insubordinate” and its legal implications. Learn the factors that will help you determine the most effective way to take action against employees who disobey lawful orders.

May 10: The Roller Coaster Employee: Managing Up-and-Down Performance: You’ve undoubtedly seen it several times, and it’s always frustrating. An employee is put on a performance demonstration period (DP, PIP, ODAP – or whatever your agency calls it) and does well enough to stay in his position. But when the DP ends, his performance dips again. You don’t have to feel helpless. Learn the most effective way to manage wide swings in performance.

June 14: Reasonable Accommodation: The Interactive Process: An important step after an employee requests a reasonable accommodation for a disability and provides supporting medical documentation is to engage in the “interactive process” with the employee. This training will explain what that process entails, how supervisors should work with disability program managers and reasonable accommodation coordinators, and answer key questions, such as: How do you define undue hardship? How do you determine essential functions? Do I have to give an employee telework as an accommodation? And much more.

July 12: Effectively Handling Sick Leave Use and Abuse: Managing the uncertainty and increased workload when employees call in sick is a perennial challenge for Federal supervisors. Even more complicated is administering sick leave, considering the multiple uses and numerous family members covered. Learn the six authorized uses of sick leave, who is a family member for sick leave purposes, the potential signs of sick leave abuse and how to counsel the employee; and the actions you can take for sick leave abuse, providing false medical information, or excessive absences.

August 9: The New Hostile Work Environment:  As the pandemic raged and employees remained home, many thought that reprehensible harassing incidents would wane, yet the targets of hostile work environment merely expanded and changed. More harassment was aimed at Asian American and Pacific Islanders and LGBTQ employees, and harassment took more virtual forms including email and social media. Learn what hostile work environment entails, what you can do to prevent it, and how to take prompt and effective action when harassment is alleged.

August 23: Do I Need to Invite the Union to this Meeting? You know that there are certain types of meetings that require you to invite the union. But meetings happen every day, so does that mean the union has a right to be at every one? Which ones need to include the union? Learn what makes a meeting a formal discussion, the union’s rights and responsibilities when it comes to meeting, and what the union rep can and cannot do during the formal discussion.

Pricing

Early Bird Tuition:

  • $270 per site, per session (payment required by February 28).
  • Special series discounts available through February 28: $1,525 for the first 6 webinars or $1,795 for all 7. See registration form for details.

Standard Tuition: 

  • $295 per site, per session (payments made March 1 or later).

Working from home? Teleworkers may be added to a primary site registration for $50 each, per session, on a space-available basis.

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training using the “Pay Now” option will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.

Jul
13
Wed
Virtual Training Event – Honoring Diversity: Eliminating Microaggressions and Bias in the Federal Workplace
Jul 13 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Download Individual Registration Form

If you thought President Biden’s Executive Orders to advance racial equity throughout the Federal government and strengthen discrimination protections were just feel-good statements, think again.

You should have already completed your DEIA strategic plan. You’ll now need to file annual DEIA reports to the White House. Those reports should reveal the depth and breadth of your efforts to advance diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility throughout your agency.

This issue is NOT going away.  Employees, regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity or sexual orientation, will not feel respected and empowered unless the agency addresses unconscious bias and microaggressions in the workplace.

What is a microaggression? During this two-hour virtual training, FELTG Instructor Katherine Atkinson, attorney at law, will explain what microaggressions look like it in their various forms — microinsults, microassaults, and microinvalidations.

Whether intentional or not, microaggressions can be very hurtful to the employees who experience them, and such behaviors indicating implicit bias can lead to discrimination. They are warning signs of a potential hostile workplace. And they put a serious dent in employee morale and productivity.

Ms. Atkinson will also share an implicit bias test, explain its impact, and provide examples. She’ll provide a quick review of EEO law so you can determine when bias or microaggression leads to the level of discrimination.

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Identify acts of microaggression and acts influenced by implicit bias.
  • Recognize and define harassment.
  • Respond appropriately and effectively when you see a microaggression in the workplace.

This program meets the President’s mandate to provide training on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in the Federal workplace.

Class will be held from 1:00-3:00 PM eastern.

Instructor

Katherine Atkinson

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $295 (register by July 5)
  • Standard Tuition: $325 (register July 6-13)
  • Rates per registrant.

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Zoom for this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device. You may also attend the training event as an audio training, by dialing in over the phone and following along with the materials independently.
  • Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
    • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
  • Can I share my access link with co-workers?
    • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
  • Can I register a teleworker?
    • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals. Group discounts are available until July 5.

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training using the “Pay Now” option will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.

Aug
9
Tue
Webinar Series – The Federal Supervisor’s Workshop: Building the Best Toolkit for Managing Today’s Workforce
Aug 9 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Marcus Hill, Barbara Haga, Katherine Atkinson, Bob Woods, Joseph Schimansky

Course Description

Federal supervisors and advisers: Your time is valuable as ever, yet your challenges are changing — and growing.

FELTG’s annual supervisory training event returns in 2022 with a new look and focus. We’re still offering comprehensive training that expands upon legal principles to provide you with the necessary tools and best practices to manage the agency workplace effectively and efficiently. But this time, we take a laser focus on sessions that specifically address the unique challenges faced by supervisors in agencies across the country, and around the world.

These monthly 60-minute webinars provide you with the legal foundation for managing distinct situations regarding performance and conduct accountability, reasonable accommodation, sick leave, harassment, and labor relations (for those of you who supervise bargaining unit employees). But the guidance provided will help you build the necessary framework to tackle other equally specific and challenging situations.

These sessions are held live and provide an opportunity to ask questions — and get answers — from FELTG’s experienced instructors.

2022 dates:

March 8: Understanding Performance vs. Misconduct: Is it a performance issue or a conduct issue? Knowing how to answer this question will allow you to take the appropriate action. This webinar will teach the distinction between performance and conduct; provide an overview on holding employees accountable; discuss the “can’t vs. won’t” conundrum; and set the stage for defensible discipline and performance actions.

April 12: Insubordinate Employee? Don’t Mess With the Wrong Elements: Ever have an employee who refused to follow your orders? What if the employee failed to follow the order, but you’re not sure if it was intentional? The first step to dealing with the issue is to understand the word “insubordinate” and its legal implications. Learn the factors that will help you determine the most effective way to take action against employees who disobey lawful orders.

May 10: The Roller Coaster Employee: Managing Up-and-Down Performance: You’ve undoubtedly seen it several times, and it’s always frustrating. An employee is put on a performance demonstration period (DP, PIP, ODAP – or whatever your agency calls it) and does well enough to stay in his position. But when the DP ends, his performance dips again. You don’t have to feel helpless. Learn the most effective way to manage wide swings in performance.

June 14: Reasonable Accommodation: The Interactive Process: An important step after an employee requests a reasonable accommodation for a disability and provides supporting medical documentation is to engage in the “interactive process” with the employee. This training will explain what that process entails, how supervisors should work with disability program managers and reasonable accommodation coordinators, and answer key questions, such as: How do you define undue hardship? How do you determine essential functions? Do I have to give an employee telework as an accommodation? And much more.

July 12: Effectively Handling Sick Leave Use and Abuse: Managing the uncertainty and increased workload when employees call in sick is a perennial challenge for Federal supervisors. Even more complicated is administering sick leave, considering the multiple uses and numerous family members covered. Learn the six authorized uses of sick leave, who is a family member for sick leave purposes, the potential signs of sick leave abuse and how to counsel the employee; and the actions you can take for sick leave abuse, providing false medical information, or excessive absences.

August 9: The New Hostile Work Environment:  As the pandemic raged and employees remained home, many thought that reprehensible harassing incidents would wane, yet the targets of hostile work environment merely expanded and changed. More harassment was aimed at Asian American and Pacific Islanders and LGBTQ employees, and harassment took more virtual forms including email and social media. Learn what hostile work environment entails, what you can do to prevent it, and how to take prompt and effective action when harassment is alleged.

August 23: Do I Need to Invite the Union to this Meeting? You know that there are certain types of meetings that require you to invite the union. But meetings happen every day, so does that mean the union has a right to be at every one? Which ones need to include the union? Learn what makes a meeting a formal discussion, the union’s rights and responsibilities when it comes to meeting, and what the union rep can and cannot do during the formal discussion.

Pricing

Early Bird Tuition:

  • $270 per site, per session (payment required by February 28).
  • Special series discounts available through February 28: $1,525 for the first 6 webinars or $1,795 for all 7. See registration form for details.

Standard Tuition: 

  • $295 per site, per session (payments made March 1 or later).

Working from home? Teleworkers may be added to a primary site registration for $50 each, per session, on a space-available basis.

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training using the “Pay Now” option will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.

Aug
16
Tue
Virtual Training Event – Nondiscriminatory Hiring in the Federal Workplace: Advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility
Aug 16 @ 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Download Individual Registration Form

The federal hiring process is a challenging one that requires patience. Those who hurry the hiring process are not only likely to make a mistake in hiring, but they may also end up without sufficient documentation to combat a discrimination complaint, making the allegation difficult to defend against.

And there is NO excuse these days for having any steps in your hiring process that could be discriminatory. Per Executive Order, your agency should have already taken steps to “advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility,” and “eliminate, where applicable, barriers to equity, in Federal workforce functions.”

Regardless of where you are in the development of an agency Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) plan or whether your agency is even currently hiring, this half-day virtual training provides important guidance that you cannot afford to miss if you want to ensure your hiring practices are nondiscriminatory and align with the federal merit system principles.

FELTG instructor and attorney at law Katherine Atkinson will explain the types of interview questions that cause problems, and discuss selection panel roles and responsibilities, including ensuring the selecting officials implement best practices to develop and maintain evidence, demonstrating the non-selection was neither discriminatory nor retaliatory.

Attend from wherever you are working — agency office or home. The program will be presented live, and you’ll have time to ask questions and get answers in real time. This program runs from 1:00 – 4:30 pm eastern, with a 30-minute break from 2:30 – 3:00.

This program meets the President’s mandate to provide training on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in the Federal workplace.

Instructor

Katherine Atkinson

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $355 (register by August 2)
  • Standard Tuition: $395 (register August 3 or later)
  • Rates per registrant.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts for 10 or more attendees are available through August  2. Contact FELTG.

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Zoom for this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device. You may also attend the training event as an audio training, by dialing in over the phone and following along with the materials independently.
  • Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
    • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
  • What if I want to attend a session but have a schedule conflict?
    • FELTG plans to offer this live event periodically, so check our calendar for upcoming dates.
  • Can I share my access link with co-workers?
    • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
  • Can I register a teleworker?
    • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals. Group discounts are available through August 2.

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training using the “Pay Now” option will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.

Aug
23
Tue
Webinar Series – The Federal Supervisor’s Workshop: Building the Best Toolkit for Managing Today’s Workforce
Aug 23 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Marcus Hill, Barbara Haga, Katherine Atkinson, Bob Woods, Joseph Schimansky

Course Description

Federal supervisors and advisers: Your time is valuable as ever, yet your challenges are changing — and growing.

FELTG’s annual supervisory training event returns in 2022 with a new look and focus. We’re still offering comprehensive training that expands upon legal principles to provide you with the necessary tools and best practices to manage the agency workplace effectively and efficiently. But this time, we take a laser focus on sessions that specifically address the unique challenges faced by supervisors in agencies across the country, and around the world.

These monthly 60-minute webinars provide you with the legal foundation for managing distinct situations regarding performance and conduct accountability, reasonable accommodation, sick leave, harassment, and labor relations (for those of you who supervise bargaining unit employees). But the guidance provided will help you build the necessary framework to tackle other equally specific and challenging situations.

These sessions are held live and provide an opportunity to ask questions — and get answers — from FELTG’s experienced instructors.

2022 dates:

March 8: Understanding Performance vs. Misconduct: Is it a performance issue or a conduct issue? Knowing how to answer this question will allow you to take the appropriate action. This webinar will teach the distinction between performance and conduct; provide an overview on holding employees accountable; discuss the “can’t vs. won’t” conundrum; and set the stage for defensible discipline and performance actions.

April 12: Insubordinate Employee? Don’t Mess With the Wrong Elements: Ever have an employee who refused to follow your orders? What if the employee failed to follow the order, but you’re not sure if it was intentional? The first step to dealing with the issue is to understand the word “insubordinate” and its legal implications. Learn the factors that will help you determine the most effective way to take action against employees who disobey lawful orders.

May 10: The Roller Coaster Employee: Managing Up-and-Down Performance: You’ve undoubtedly seen it several times, and it’s always frustrating. An employee is put on a performance demonstration period (DP, PIP, ODAP – or whatever your agency calls it) and does well enough to stay in his position. But when the DP ends, his performance dips again. You don’t have to feel helpless. Learn the most effective way to manage wide swings in performance.

June 14: Reasonable Accommodation: The Interactive Process: An important step after an employee requests a reasonable accommodation for a disability and provides supporting medical documentation is to engage in the “interactive process” with the employee. This training will explain what that process entails, how supervisors should work with disability program managers and reasonable accommodation coordinators, and answer key questions, such as: How do you define undue hardship? How do you determine essential functions? Do I have to give an employee telework as an accommodation? And much more.

July 12: Effectively Handling Sick Leave Use and Abuse: Managing the uncertainty and increased workload when employees call in sick is a perennial challenge for Federal supervisors. Even more complicated is administering sick leave, considering the multiple uses and numerous family members covered. Learn the six authorized uses of sick leave, who is a family member for sick leave purposes, the potential signs of sick leave abuse and how to counsel the employee; and the actions you can take for sick leave abuse, providing false medical information, or excessive absences.

August 9: The New Hostile Work Environment:  As the pandemic raged and employees remained home, many thought that reprehensible harassing incidents would wane, yet the targets of hostile work environment merely expanded and changed. More harassment was aimed at Asian American and Pacific Islanders and LGBTQ employees, and harassment took more virtual forms including email and social media. Learn what hostile work environment entails, what you can do to prevent it, and how to take prompt and effective action when harassment is alleged.

August 23: Do I Need to Invite the Union to this Meeting? You know that there are certain types of meetings that require you to invite the union. But meetings happen every day, so does that mean the union has a right to be at every one? Which ones need to include the union? Learn what makes a meeting a formal discussion, the union’s rights and responsibilities when it comes to meeting, and what the union rep can and cannot do during the formal discussion.

Pricing

Early Bird Tuition:

  • $270 per site, per session (payment required by February 28).
  • Special series discounts available through February 28: $1,525 for the first 6 webinars or $1,795 for all 7. See registration form for details.

Standard Tuition: 

  • $295 per site, per session (payments made March 1 or later).

Working from home? Teleworkers may be added to a primary site registration for $50 each, per session, on a space-available basis.

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training using the “Pay Now” option will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.

Aug
29
Mon
Virtual Training Event – Federal Workplace 2022: Accountability, Challenges, and Trends
Aug 29 – Sep 1 all-day

Download Individual Registration Form

Course Description

FELTG’s Federal Workplace 2022: Accountability, Challenges, and Trends offers short, engaging, and guidance-filled training sessions to help you effectively manage the Federal employment challenges that are new, complicated, and critical to your and your agency’s success.

Each day focuses on a specific topic – a day each on Accountability, Challenges, and Trends. And we’ve added a bonus fourth day with a focus on Labor Relations. During the course of this program, FELTG instructors will share the best practices and lessons learned over the previous year, and provide the guidance and expertise you’ll need to thrive when faced with issues such as charging for misconduct, preparing performance narratives, reassessing reasonable accommodation post-COVID, harassment other than EEO, creating an inclusive mentality, preparing to bargain and much more. And we’ll get you up to date on the latest decisions from EEOC, MSPB, and FLRA.

We know you have plenty of training options – both onsite and virtual – to choose from this time of year. This program has several advantages. Although not a conference, it provides an opportunity for conference-like training for those who can’t get travel approval, or for those not quite ready to squish themselves back into packed training rooms. Other virtual training providers make you register and pay for the full agenda. Not FELTG. This training event allows attendees to register for only the sessions they prefer to attend.

In addition, FELTG is an SBA-certified Woman Owned Small Business, allowing your agency to help achieve its small business set aside fiscal targets. And if all that wasn’t enough, Federal Workplace 2022: Accountability, Challenges, and Trends is completely live, and attendees have the opportunities to ask questions and engage in polls and other activities.

Who Should Attend

Attorneys; Labor and Employee Relations Specialists; EEO managers and directors; EEO specialists; Reasonable Accommodation Coordinators; DEIA specialists, Federal supervisors and managers; emerging leaders; union representatives.

Download Individual Registration Form



Monday, August 29, 2022

Spotlight on Accountability

Session 1
10:30 – 11:45 am EDT
Is That Misconduct? What Do I Charge?
Presented by Bob Woods, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

(Earn 1.25 CLE credits)

Too often, a misconduct action is derailed not by lack of evidence, but due to a poorly drafted disciplinary charge. Attend this session to ensure that doesn’t happen to you. FELTG Instructor Bob Woods will cover the art and science behind drafting disciplinary charges, including the types of charges, parts of a charge, how charges are interpreted, and alternative charges. He’ll provide guidance on the best charge for any disciplinary scenario. This class will also include discussion of new MSPB cases involving charges.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Discern between misconduct and poor performance.
  • Identify the pros and cons of the three different styles of charging.
  • Recognize why certain charges may fail, and select alternatives that will withstand review.
Session 2
1 – 2:15 pm EDT
Make Your Best Case: Effectively Preparing Performance Narratives
Presented by Barbara Haga, President/Federal HR Services, FELTG Senior Instructor

Preparing performance narratives can be tough. It’s a lot of writing, sometimes it’s hard to make the documentation you have fit what was written in the performance plan, and sometimes you know there’s going to be a fight about what you put down on that form. It may be the employee who thinks the rating should be higher. Sometimes, it’s a reviewer who doesn’t necessarily see your employee’s performance at the same level as you do. And, in some agencies, there are review panels that may be scouring your documentation. FELTG Senior Instructor Barbara Haga provides guidance to make preparing performance narratives less tough – and more effective.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Ensure they have the right criteria to measure an individual’s performance.
  • Identify poorly written narratives and explain how to correct them.
  • Write narratives of deficient performance that will stand up if challenged.
Session 3
3 – 4:15 pm EDT
What You Think You Know About AWOL is Probably Wrong
Presented by Deborah J. Hopkins, Attorney at Law, FELTG President

(Earn 1.25 CLE credits)

You can’t discipline an employee for AWOL unless it has reached a certain number of days. Employees can’t be removed for AWOL. You can’t be charged AWOL for time that you were physically present in the office. None of these statements is true; they are AWOL myths. During this presentation, FELTG President Deborah Hopkins will shatter those myths and provide you with clear guidance on how to handle situations when an employee doesn’t show up for work. She’ll also explain the difference in AWOL as a charge and AWOL as a non-pay status, and provide strategies on how to handle employees who don’t report for duty.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Understand the elements of the charge of Absent Without Leave or Unauthorized Absence.
  • Determine reasonable penalties when AWOL is charged.
  • Identify situations where a perceived AWOL might be another type of absence.


Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Spotlight on Challenges

Session 4
10:30 – 11:45 am EDT
Other Types of Harassment: Beyond Discriminatory and Sexual Harassment
Presented by Deborah J. Hopkins, Attorney at Law, FELTG President

(Earn 1.25 CLE credits)

Not everyone has the same definition of “harassment.” While most professionals recognize harassment that violates Title VII, some employees consider it harassment when supervisors provide unflattering performance feedback.  And, in between, there are threatening, intimidating, and disturbing acts that are unrelated to protected classes, but nonetheless must be addressed as misconduct. FELTG President Deborah Hopkins will not only identify the lines that separate these different levels of harassment both perceived and real, but also explain how and when to address harassment as misconduct.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Differentiate between non-EEO harassment, EEO harassment, and actions that don’t qualify as harassment.
  • Use the appropriate disciplinary framework for handling harassment as misconduct.
  • Recognize agency obligations for addressing harassing employee behavior.
Session 5
1 – 2:15 pm EDT
Preparing for COVID-19 EEO Challenges in FY23
Presented by Ricky Rowe, former National EEO Manager/Veterans Administration, FELTG Instructor

As much as we are all ready to move on from COVID-19, the latest variant has made it clear: The virus is not done with us. As summer moves to fall, agencies will face new roadblocks returning employees to the physical workplace while keeping safe those employees who are already there. In this presentation, FELTG Instructor Ricky Rowe will focus on the relative laws and guidance surrounding temperature screening, which agencies will need to be familiar with this upcoming fiscal year.  This presentation will include the most up-to-date guidance available at that time.

Learning takeaways 

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Implement the most updated guidance from the EEOC, CDC, the Task Force, etc.
  • Recognize the potential legal pitfalls of seeking certain medical information.
  • Create an effective, lawful, and operational framework for temperature screening employees.
Session 6
3 – 4:15 pm EDT
Managing a Potentially Suicidal Employee
Presented by Shana Palmieri, LCSW, CCO & Co-founder, XFERALL, FELTG Instructor

As suicide rates rise across the country, the impact is being felt in the workplace. Learning how to correctly manage an employee’s suicidal crisis and ideations is increasingly important. Knowing what to do, and when, might save an employee’s life. Shana Palmieri, LCSW will provide an overview of suicide ideation in the country and, more specifically, the workplace. She’ll share the signs, symptoms, and appropriate responses when managing an individual suffering with suicidal thoughts.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Communicate effectively with employees with suicidal ideation.
  • Identify the signs and symptoms of suicide that indicate the need for professional intervention.
  • Handle behavioral health emergencies.

 



Wednesday, August 31, 2022

Spotlight on Trends

 

Session 7
10:30 – 11:45 am EDT
The Power of an Inclusive Mentality
Presented by J. Bruce Stewart, PhD, Chief Executive Officer, Small World Solutions

What do rats addicted to heroin, Rosa Parks, a third-grade school teacher, a prize winning stage director, Miles Davis, and a little girl who has a form of autism called Williams Syndrome have in common? They have figured out the code to great performance.  And that code? It is Inclusive Mentality. Dr. Stewart, former Deputy Director for Diversity and Inclusion for the Office of Personnel Management and creator of OPM’s New IQ, will explain what the inclusive mentality code is and how it can be unlocked to unleash the full potential of diverse teams, in line with the President’s DEIA mandates.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Develop an inclusive mentality for team and organizational success.
  • Explain why diversity alone or inclusion alone is not the answer but instead a big part of the problem.
  • Make others around you better (and explain why it’s the key 21st Century skill).
Session 8
1 – 2:15 pm EDT
Revisiting Existing Reasonable Accommodations
Presented by Katherine Atkinson, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

(Earn 1.25 CLE credits)

One of the most important, yet often forgotten, parts of the reasonable accommodation process is the follow up. Sometimes, accommodations are no longer effective, no longer needed – or, perhaps, a more effective accommodation has become available. It’s a win-win process. And as employees start returning to the physical workplace after, for some, more than two years of remote work, now is the time to re-evaluate the effectiveness of employees’ reasonable accommodations. FELTG Instructor Katherine Atkinson, Attorney at Law, will explain why this is important and how to go about ensuring you find the right accommodation.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Restart the interactive process.
  • Make an appropriate reasonable accommodation determination.
  • Determine if telework is an effective accommodation.
Session 9
3 – 4:15 pm EDT
MSPB and EEOC Case Law Update
Presented by Deborah J. Hopkins, Attorney at Law, FELTG President

Whether you’re an HR professional, attorney, EEO specialist, or supervisor, keeping up with the ever-evolving Federal employment law is a necessity. Change happens quickly. This fast-paced review of the most relevant cases from the EEOC, the newly minted MSPB, and the Federal Circuit will ensure you’re not behind the times. Attendees will leave with knowledge of recent developments and with an in-depth analysis of the current employment law climate and its impact on the Federal workplace.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Determine the impact recent MSPB decisions on whistleblowing.
  • Identify the recent critical decisions from the EEOC.
  • Understand the effect of new Federal Circuit decisions on the executive branch.

 



Thursday, September 1, 2022

Spotlight on Labor Relations

 

Session 10
10:30 – 11:45 am pm EDT
What’s Happening in Federal Labor Relations?
Presented by Ann Boehm, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

(Earn 1.25 CLE credits)

Ann Boehm, who spent 26 years as a government attorney (including a stint at the Federal Labor Relations Authority), will look at what’s been happening at the FLRA and what’s likely to happen now that third member Susan Tsui Grundmann has been confirmed. She’ll review recent decisions by the Federal Service Impasses Panel and discuss the five memos recently released by OPM that address enhanced workers’ rights.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Identify areas of labor law that may change with a fully staffed Authority.
  • Understand the recent decisions from the FLRA and FSIP.
  • Explain what your agency needs to do to meet OPM’s expectations for labor management relations.
Session 11
1 – 2:15 pm EDT
Preparing to Bargain
Presented by Joseph Schimansky, Former Executive Director/FSIP, FELTG Instructor

(Earn 1.25 CLE credits)

Whether you’re currently preparing to negotiate with the union or if it’s a year down the road, this is a do-not-miss session. Joseph Schimansky will provide you with key strategies and guidance to ensure you are well-equipped to begin negotiations, and have a plan to successfully navigate the bargaining process.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Identify the work that must be done before bargaining begins.
  • Build an effective bargaining team.
  • Evaluate your bargaining techniques for the most effective approach.

 

Pricing

  • Early bird pricing for individual sessions starts at $150 per session. Daily and full event All Access discounts available.
  • Early Bird discounts available until August 12.
  • See registration form for full pricing details.

 

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Zoom for this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
  • Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
    • This program is submitted for CLE credits to the State Bar of Virginia, and we anticipate approval within. few weeks. Individual CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
  • Can I share my access link with co-workers?
    • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
  • Can I register a teleworker?
    • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals for All Access registration options only. Group discounts are available through August 12.
Sep
7
Wed
Virtual Training Event – UnCivil Servant: Holding Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct
Sep 7 – Sep 8 all-day

Download Individual Registration Form

Course Description

FELTG’s flagship course UnCivil Servant empowers federal supervisors and advisers to confidently handle the challenges that come with supervising in the federal workplace. We hope that you never have to fire an employee. But it’s important that you have the tools to effectively address poor performance and misconduct, should the need arise.

Over the course of two half-days, UnCivil Servant identifies misconceptions about performance and misconduct-based actions and provides you with simple step-by-step guidance for taking swift, appropriate and legally defensible actions. The program also covers the very latest with Executive Order 13839, plus OPM regulations on performance and conduct.

Join FELTG for this special event, from wherever you are working – agency office or home. The program will be presented live, and you’ll have time to ask questions and get answers in real time. Note: This course fulfills OPM’s mandatory training requirements for new supervisors found at 5 CFR 412.202(b).

Registrants for both days will also receive a copy of the textbook UnCivil Servant: Holding Federal Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct, 5th Ed., by William Wiley and Deborah Hopkins.

This program runs from 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm eastern each day, with a 30-minute break from 2:00 – 2:30 eastern.

Download Individual Registration Form

Instructor

Deborah Hopkins

Who Should Attend

Federal supervisors and managers; attorneys; Labor and Employee Relations Specialists; EEO specialists; union representatives.

Agenda

Wednesday, September 7

Accountability for Conduct and Performance, Part I: Accountability and supervisory authority; discipline and misconduct theory and practice; the five elements of discipline; off-duty misconduct; penalty defense and due process.

Thursday, September 8

Accountability for Conduct and Performance, Part II: Discipline procedures and appeals; disciplinary documents; defining unacceptable performance; dealing with poor performers; performance-based removal procedures.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $390 per session, $720 for both sessions (register by August 23).
  • Standard Tuition: $420 per session, $750 for both sessions (register August 24-September 8).
  • Rates per registrant. No split registrations permitted.
  • Want to register a group? Contact FELTG.

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Zoom for its Virtual Training Institute events. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
  • What if I want to attend a session but have a schedule conflict?
    • FELTG also plans to offer this live event periodically, so check our calendar for upcoming dates.
  • Can I share my access link with co-workers?
    • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
  • Can I register a teleworker?
    • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • If an agency wishes to register 10 or more attendees for the full event, a group discount will be applied if all registrations are received and paid for together. Group discount deadline is August 23.
  • Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
    • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.

Seminar registration includes a PDF copy of the program materials, plus a hard copy of the textbook UnCivil Servant: Holding Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct, 5th ed., by Wiley and Hopkins. In order to receive the textbook by the training date, please register by August 23 and provide a shipping address. Registrations received after January 25 will also receive a textbook, but materials are not guaranteed to arrive by the training date.

Feb
8
Wed
Virtual Training Event – UnCivil Servant: Holding Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct
Feb 8 – Feb 9 all-day

Download Individual Registration Form

Course Description

FELTG’s flagship course UnCivil Servant empowers federal supervisors and advisers to confidently handle the challenges that come with supervising in the federal workplace. We hope that you never have to fire an employee. But it’s important that you have the tools to effectively address poor performance and misconduct, should the need arise.

Over the course of two half-days, UnCivil Servant identifies misconceptions about performance and misconduct-based actions and provides you with simple step-by-step guidance for taking swift, appropriate and legally defensible actions. The program also covers the very latest with Executive Order 13839, plus OPM regulations on performance and conduct.

Join FELTG for this special event, from wherever you are working – agency office or home. The program will be presented live, and you’ll have time to ask questions and get answers in real time. Note: This course fulfills OPM’s mandatory training requirements for new supervisors found at 5 CFR 412.202(b).

Registrants for both days will also receive a copy of the textbook UnCivil Servant: Holding Federal Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct, 5th Ed., by William Wiley and Deborah Hopkins.

This program runs from 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm eastern each day, with a 30-minute break midway.

Download Individual Registration Form

Instructor

Deborah Hopkins

Who Should Attend

Federal supervisors and managers; attorneys; Labor and Employee Relations Specialists; EEO specialists; union representatives.

Agenda

Wednesday, February 8

Accountability for Conduct and Performance, Part I: Accountability and supervisory authority; discipline and misconduct theory and practice; the five elements of discipline; off-duty misconduct; penalty defense and due process.

Thursday, February 9

Accountability for Conduct and Performance, Part II: Discipline procedures and appeals; disciplinary documents; defining unacceptable performance; dealing with poor performers; performance-based removal procedures.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $425 per session, $755 for both sessions (register by January 24).
  • Standard Tuition: $525 per session, $855 for both sessions (register January 25-February 9).
  • Rates per registrant. No split registrations permitted.
  • Want to register a group? Contact FELTG.

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Zoom for its Virtual Training Institute events. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
  • What if I want to attend a session but have a schedule conflict?
    • FELTG also plans to offer this live event periodically, so check our calendar for upcoming dates.
  • Can I share my access link with co-workers?
    • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
  • Can I register a teleworker?
    • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • If an agency wishes to register 10 or more attendees for the full event, a group discount will be applied if all registrations are received and paid for together. Group discount deadline is January 24.
  • Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
    • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.

Seminar registration includes a PDF copy of the program materials, plus a hard copy of the textbook UnCivil Servant: Holding Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct, 5th ed., by Wiley and Hopkins. In order to receive the textbook by the training date, please register by January 24 and provide a shipping address. Registrations received after January 24 will also receive a textbook, but materials are not guaranteed to arrive by the training date.

Mar
7
Tue
Webinar Series – The Federal Supervisor’s Workshop: Building the Best Toolkit for Managing Today’s Workforce
Mar 7 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Barbara Haga, Katherine Atkinson, Ann Boehm, Joe Schimansky

Course Description

The most comprehensive supervisory training event available anywhere returns once again. The Federal Supervisor’s Workshop: Building the Best Toolkit for Managing Today’s Workforce offers six specific sessions (with a bonus seventh session for those who manage bargaining unit employees) that will give you the tools and skills to effectively and efficiently manage in the Federal workplace circa 2023.

If you’ve attended FELTG’s previous supervisory webinar series, UnCivil Servant: Holding Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct, or any of our other flagship courses, these fast-paced and engaging 60-minute sessions, held monthly from 1 – 2 pm ET, will expand upon the legal and foundational principles shared in those sessions with best practices to handle very specific discipline, performance, leave, and reasonable accommodation situations. And the guidance shared will help you build the necessary framework to tackle numerous other specific and equally challenging situations.

FELTG’s annual supervisory series will get you up to speed quickly, without wasting any of your time. Just 60 minutes each month. The sessions are taught live by FELTG’s experience instructors AND you’ll have the chance to ask questions and get answers — in real time.

2023 dates and topics:

March 7: Why Supervisors Need to Use the Douglas Factors

If you’re not using the Douglas factor analysis to figure out an appropriate penalty for a misbehaving employee, then you’re doing it wrong. And when an appeal is filed, your action may not be so easy to defend without this justification. A scan of MSPB cases reveals how regularly Federal supervisors fail to understand these factors, and how that lack of understanding may sink the agency’s case. FELTG instructor Ann Boehm will explain the importance of the Douglas factors, using both foundational and recent case law examples, and walk you through the importance of each factor.

 April 4: 5 Keys to Implementing and Managing a Successful Performance Opportunity Period

You’re not alone. Every agency has employees whose performance is unacceptable. The key to addressing poor performance is to initiate an opportunity to demonstrate acceptable performance (called everything from a PIP or OIP to an ODAP or DP). A successful opportunity period will either lead to sustained improved performance OR a defensible performance-based removal. From the Santos requirement to a post-PIP drop in performance, FELTG President Deborah Hopkins will explain the key steps to take and pitfalls to avoid.

May 2: They Just Won’t Show Up: Handling Excessive Absence

In a year when no-shows are more common than they should be, supervisors need to understand how to handle excessive absence, using the appropriate tools to correct employee behavior, while keeping in mind cases that involve reasonable accommodation or medical inability to perform. In 60 minutes, FELTG Senior Instructor Barbara Haga will share the documentation needed and steps necessary to effectively discipline an employee for excessive absence, leave abuse, and other related matters.

June 6: Ensuring Accountability with Hybrid and Teleworking Employees

Many experts agree: The performance success of a hybrid or telework environment will come down to managers and supervisors. You may think you know how to discipline. And you may think you know how to handle poor performance. Now that your employees are spread out beyond the physical workplace, you must hold all equally accountable for performance and conduct, regardless of where they physically work. FELTG President Deborah Hopkins will give you the tools and foundation to effectively do that, while also managing employees who remain in the physical workplace.

July 11: Trends in Hostile Work Environment Harassment: 2023 Edition

The pandemic sparked a rise in hate crimes against Asian-Pacific Americans and now the country is dealing with a steep increase in antisemitic threats and actions. How have these trends impacted the Federal workplace, and what is the supervisor’s role when it manifests in microaggressions, bias, harassment, or outright discrimination? This 60-minute webinar provides the tools supervisors need to recognize and quickly take effective action to prevent and correct illegal harassment in the workplace..

August 8: Providing Reasonable Accommodation for Invisible Disabilities

The effects of the pandemic live on in an increase in chronic fatigue and depression, not to mention the severe impact of long haul COVID. Meanwhile, chronic pain, diabetes, and other non-visible disabilities are on the rise as the Federal workplace continues to age. During this webinar, managers will learn how to find the right accommodation for a number of hidden disabilities.

August 22: What Supervisors Should Know About Official Time

The Labor-Management Statute holds labor and management equally accountable to the taxpayer with a shared responsibility to ensure that official time is authorized and used appropriately. In this 60-minute class, Joseph Schimansky will share everything that supervisors need to know to uphold that responsibility without overstepping their role. Attendees will learn who is entitled to official time — and who isn’t, along with the latest relevant case law and guidance.

Pricing

Early Bird Tuition:

  • $270 per site, per session (payment required by February 24).
  • Special series discounts available through February 24: $1,525 for the first 6 webinars or $1,795 for all 7. See registration form for details.

Standard Tuition: 

  • $295 per site, per session (payments made February 25 or later).

Working from home? Teleworkers may be added to a primary site registration for $60 each, per session, on a space-available basis.

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training using the “Pay Now” option will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.

Apr
4
Tue
Webinar Series – The Federal Supervisor’s Workshop: Building the Best Toolkit for Managing Today’s Workforce
Apr 4 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Barbara Haga, Katherine Atkinson, Ann Boehm, Joe Schimansky

Course Description

The most comprehensive supervisory training event available anywhere returns once again. The Federal Supervisor’s Workshop: Building the Best Toolkit for Managing Today’s Workforce offers six specific sessions (with a bonus seventh session for those who manage bargaining unit employees) that will give you the tools and skills to effectively and efficiently manage in the Federal workplace circa 2023.

If you’ve attended FELTG’s previous supervisory webinar series, UnCivil Servant: Holding Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct, or any of our other flagship courses, these fast-paced and engaging 60-minute sessions, held monthly from 1 – 2 pm ET, will expand upon the legal and foundational principles shared in those sessions with best practices to handle very specific discipline, performance, leave, and reasonable accommodation situations. And the guidance shared will help you build the necessary framework to tackle numerous other specific and equally challenging situations.

FELTG’s annual supervisory series will get you up to speed quickly, without wasting any of your time. Just 60 minutes each month. The sessions are taught live by FELTG’s experience instructors AND you’ll have the chance to ask questions and get answers — in real time.

2023 dates and topics:

March 7: Why Supervisors Need to Use the Douglas Factors

If you’re not using the Douglas factor analysis to figure out an appropriate penalty for a misbehaving employee, then you’re doing it wrong. And when an appeal is filed, your action may not be so easy to defend without this justification. A scan of MSPB cases reveals how regularly Federal supervisors fail to understand these factors, and how that lack of understanding may sink the agency’s case. FELTG instructor Ann Boehm will explain the importance of the Douglas factors, using both foundational and recent case law examples, and walk you through the importance of each factor.

 April 4: 5 Keys to Implementing and Managing a Successful Performance Opportunity Period

You’re not alone. Every agency has employees whose performance is unacceptable. The key to addressing poor performance is to initiate an opportunity to demonstrate acceptable performance (called everything from a PIP or OIP to an ODAP or DP). A successful opportunity period will either lead to sustained improved performance OR a defensible performance-based removal. From the Santos requirement to a post-PIP drop in performance, FELTG President Deborah Hopkins will explain the key steps to take and pitfalls to avoid.

May 2: They Just Won’t Show Up: Handling Excessive Absence

In a year when no-shows are more common than they should be, supervisors need to understand how to handle excessive absence, using the appropriate tools to correct employee behavior, while keeping in mind cases that involve reasonable accommodation or medical inability to perform. In 60 minutes, FELTG Senior Instructor Barbara Haga will share the documentation needed and steps necessary to effectively discipline an employee for excessive absence, leave abuse, and other related matters.

June 6: Ensuring Accountability with Hybrid and Teleworking Employees

Many experts agree: The performance success of a hybrid or telework environment will come down to managers and supervisors. You may think you know how to discipline. And you may think you know how to handle poor performance. Now that your employees are spread out beyond the physical workplace, you must hold all equally accountable for performance and conduct, regardless of where they physically work. FELTG President Deborah Hopkins will give you the tools and foundation to effectively do that, while also managing employees who remain in the physical workplace.

July 11: Trends in Hostile Work Environment Harassment: 2023 Edition

The pandemic sparked a rise in hate crimes against Asian-Pacific Americans and now the country is dealing with a steep increase in antisemitic threats and actions. How have these trends impacted the Federal workplace, and what is the supervisor’s role when it manifests in microaggressions, bias, harassment, or outright discrimination? This 60-minute webinar provides the tools supervisors need to recognize and quickly take effective action to prevent and correct illegal harassment in the workplace..

August 8: Providing Reasonable Accommodation for Invisible Disabilities

The effects of the pandemic live on in an increase in chronic fatigue and depression, not to mention the severe impact of long haul COVID. Meanwhile, chronic pain, diabetes, and other non-visible disabilities are on the rise as the Federal workplace continues to age. During this webinar, managers will learn how to find the right accommodation for a number of hidden disabilities.

August 22: What Supervisors Should Know About Official Time

The Labor-Management Statute holds labor and management equally accountable to the taxpayer with a shared responsibility to ensure that official time is authorized and used appropriately. In this 60-minute class, Joseph Schimansky will share everything that supervisors need to know to uphold that responsibility without overstepping their role. Attendees will learn who is entitled to official time — and who isn’t, along with the latest relevant case law and guidance.

Pricing

Early Bird Tuition:

  • $270 per site, per session (payment required by February 24).
  • Special series discounts available through February 24: $1,525 for the first 6 webinars or $1,795 for all 7. See registration form for details.

Standard Tuition: 

  • $295 per site, per session (payments made February 25 or later).

Working from home? Teleworkers may be added to a primary site registration for $60 each, per session, on a space-available basis.

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training using the “Pay Now” option will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.

Apr
5
Wed
Virtual Training Event – Nondiscriminatory Hiring in the Federal Workplace: Advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility
Apr 5 @ 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Course Description

The federal hiring process is a challenging one that requires patience. Those who hurry the hiring process are not only likely to make a mistake in hiring, but they may also end up without sufficient documentation to combat a discrimination complaint, making the allegation difficult to defend against.

And there is NO excuse these days for having any steps in your hiring process that could be discriminatory. Per Executive Order, your agency should have already taken steps to “advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility,” and “eliminate, where applicable, barriers to equity, in Federal workforce functions.”

Regardless of where you are in the development of an agency Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) plan or whether your agency is even currently hiring, this half-day virtual training provides important guidance that you cannot afford to miss if you want to ensure your hiring practices are nondiscriminatory and align with the federal merit system principles.

FELTG instructor and attorney at law Katherine Atkinson will explain the types of interview questions that cause problems, and discuss selection panel roles and responsibilities, including ensuring the selecting officials implement best practices to develop and maintain evidence, demonstrating the non-selection was neither discriminatory nor retaliatory.

Attend from wherever you are working — agency office or home. The program will be presented live, and you’ll have time to ask questions and get answers in real time. This program runs from 1:00 – 4:30 pm eastern, with a 30-minute break midway.

This program meets the President’s mandate to provide training on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in the Federal workplace.

Date and Time

Wednesday, April 5, 2023, 1:00 – 4:30 pm ET

Instructor

Katherine Atkinson

Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $370 (register by March 21)
  • Standard Tuition: $395 (register March 22 or later)
  • Rates per registrant.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts for 10 or more attendees are available through March 21. Contact FELTG.

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Zoom for this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device. You may also attend the training event as an audio training, by dialing in over the phone and following along with the materials independently.
  • Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
    • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
  • What if I want to attend a session but have a schedule conflict?
    • FELTG plans to offer this live event periodically, so check our calendar for upcoming dates.
  • Can I share my access link with co-workers?
    • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
  • Can I register a teleworker?
    • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals. Group discounts are available through March 21.

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training using the “Pay Now” option will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.

May
2
Tue
Webinar Series – The Federal Supervisor’s Workshop: Building the Best Toolkit for Managing Today’s Workforce
May 2 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Barbara Haga, Katherine Atkinson, Ann Boehm, Joe Schimansky

Course Description

The most comprehensive supervisory training event available anywhere returns once again. The Federal Supervisor’s Workshop: Building the Best Toolkit for Managing Today’s Workforce offers six specific sessions (with a bonus seventh session for those who manage bargaining unit employees) that will give you the tools and skills to effectively and efficiently manage in the Federal workplace circa 2023.

If you’ve attended FELTG’s previous supervisory webinar series, UnCivil Servant: Holding Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct, or any of our other flagship courses, these fast-paced and engaging 60-minute sessions, held monthly from 1 – 2 pm ET, will expand upon the legal and foundational principles shared in those sessions with best practices to handle very specific discipline, performance, leave, and reasonable accommodation situations. And the guidance shared will help you build the necessary framework to tackle numerous other specific and equally challenging situations.

FELTG’s annual supervisory series will get you up to speed quickly, without wasting any of your time. Just 60 minutes each month. The sessions are taught live by FELTG’s experience instructors AND you’ll have the chance to ask questions and get answers — in real time.

2023 dates and topics:

March 7: Why Supervisors Need to Use the Douglas Factors

If you’re not using the Douglas factor analysis to figure out an appropriate penalty for a misbehaving employee, then you’re doing it wrong. And when an appeal is filed, your action may not be so easy to defend without this justification. A scan of MSPB cases reveals how regularly Federal supervisors fail to understand these factors, and how that lack of understanding may sink the agency’s case. FELTG instructor Ann Boehm will explain the importance of the Douglas factors, using both foundational and recent case law examples, and walk you through the importance of each factor.

 April 4: 5 Keys to Implementing and Managing a Successful Performance Opportunity Period

You’re not alone. Every agency has employees whose performance is unacceptable. The key to addressing poor performance is to initiate an opportunity to demonstrate acceptable performance (called everything from a PIP or OIP to an ODAP or DP). A successful opportunity period will either lead to sustained improved performance OR a defensible performance-based removal. From the Santos requirement to a post-PIP drop in performance, FELTG President Deborah Hopkins will explain the key steps to take and pitfalls to avoid.

May 2: They Just Won’t Show Up: Handling Excessive Absence

In a year when no-shows are more common than they should be, supervisors need to understand how to handle excessive absence, using the appropriate tools to correct employee behavior, while keeping in mind cases that involve reasonable accommodation or medical inability to perform. In 60 minutes, FELTG Senior Instructor Barbara Haga will share the documentation needed and steps necessary to effectively discipline an employee for excessive absence, leave abuse, and other related matters.

June 6: Ensuring Accountability with Hybrid and Teleworking Employees

Many experts agree: The performance success of a hybrid or telework environment will come down to managers and supervisors. You may think you know how to discipline. And you may think you know how to handle poor performance. Now that your employees are spread out beyond the physical workplace, you must hold all equally accountable for performance and conduct, regardless of where they physically work. FELTG President Deborah Hopkins will give you the tools and foundation to effectively do that, while also managing employees who remain in the physical workplace.

July 11: Trends in Hostile Work Environment Harassment: 2023 Edition

The pandemic sparked a rise in hate crimes against Asian-Pacific Americans and now the country is dealing with a steep increase in antisemitic threats and actions. How have these trends impacted the Federal workplace, and what is the supervisor’s role when it manifests in microaggressions, bias, harassment, or outright discrimination? This 60-minute webinar provides the tools supervisors need to recognize and quickly take effective action to prevent and correct illegal harassment in the workplace..

August 8: Providing Reasonable Accommodation for Invisible Disabilities

The effects of the pandemic live on in an increase in chronic fatigue and depression, not to mention the severe impact of long haul COVID. Meanwhile, chronic pain, diabetes, and other non-visible disabilities are on the rise as the Federal workplace continues to age. During this webinar, managers will learn how to find the right accommodation for a number of hidden disabilities.

August 22: What Supervisors Should Know About Official Time

The Labor-Management Statute holds labor and management equally accountable to the taxpayer with a shared responsibility to ensure that official time is authorized and used appropriately. In this 60-minute class, Joseph Schimansky will share everything that supervisors need to know to uphold that responsibility without overstepping their role. Attendees will learn who is entitled to official time — and who isn’t, along with the latest relevant case law and guidance.

Pricing

Early Bird Tuition:

  • $270 per site, per session (payment required by February 24).
  • Special series discounts available through February 24: $1,525 for the first 6 webinars or $1,795 for all 7. See registration form for details.

Standard Tuition: 

  • $295 per site, per session (payments made February 25 or later).

Working from home? Teleworkers may be added to a primary site registration for $60 each, per session, on a space-available basis.

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training using the “Pay Now” option will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.

May
24
Wed
Virtual Training Event – UnCivil Servant: Holding Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct
May 24 – May 25 all-day

Course Description

FELTG’s flagship course UnCivil Servant empowers federal supervisors and advisers to confidently handle the challenges that come with supervising in the federal workplace. We hope that you never have to fire an employee. But it’s important that you have the tools to effectively address poor performance and misconduct, should the need arise.

Over the course of two half-days, UnCivil Servant identifies misconceptions about performance and misconduct-based actions and provides you with simple step-by-step guidance for taking swift, appropriate and legally defensible actions. The program also covers the very latest with Executive Order 14003, plus OPM regulations on performance and conduct.

Join FELTG for this special event, from wherever you are working – agency office or home. The program will be presented live, and you’ll have time to ask questions and get answers in real time. Note: This course fulfills OPM’s mandatory training requirements for new supervisors found at 5 CFR 412.202(b).

Registrants for both days will also receive a copy of the textbook UnCivil Servant: Holding Federal Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct, 5th Ed., by William Wiley and Deborah Hopkins.

Agenda

Wednesday, May 24

Accountability for Conduct and Performance, Part I: Accountability and supervisory authority; discipline and misconduct theory and practice; the five elements of discipline; off-duty misconduct; penalty defense and due process.

Thursday, May 25

Accountability for Conduct and Performance, Part II: Discipline procedures and appeals; disciplinary documents; defining unacceptable performance; dealing with poor performers; performance-based removal procedures

Date and Time

May 24-25, 2023

12:30 pm – 4:00 pm ET each day (with a 30-minute break)

Instructor

Deborah J. Hopkins

Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $425 per session, $755 for both sessions (register by May 8).
  • Standard Tuition: $525 per session, $855 for both sessions (register May 9-25).
  • Rates per registrant. No split registrations permitted.
  • Want to register a group? Contact FELTG.

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Zoom for its Virtual Training Institute events. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
  • What if I want to attend a session but have a schedule conflict?
    • FELTG also plans to offer this live event periodically, so check our calendar for upcoming dates.
  • Can I share my access link with co-workers?
    • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
  • Can I register a teleworker?
    • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • If an agency wishes to register 10 or more attendees for the full event, a group discount will be applied if all registrations are received and paid for together. Group discount deadline is May 8.
  • Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
    • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.

Seminar registration includes a PDF copy of the program materials, plus a hard copy of the textbook UnCivil Servant: Holding Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct, 5th ed., by Wiley and Hopkins. In order to receive the textbook by the training date, please register by May 8 and provide a shipping address. Registrations received after May 8 will also receive a textbook, but materials are not guaranteed to arrive by the training date.

Jun
6
Tue
Webinar Series – The Federal Supervisor’s Workshop: Building the Best Toolkit for Managing Today’s Workforce
Jun 6 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Barbara Haga, Katherine Atkinson, Ann Boehm, Joe Schimansky

Course Description

The most comprehensive supervisory training event available anywhere returns once again. The Federal Supervisor’s Workshop: Building the Best Toolkit for Managing Today’s Workforce offers six specific sessions (with a bonus seventh session for those who manage bargaining unit employees) that will give you the tools and skills to effectively and efficiently manage in the Federal workplace circa 2023.

If you’ve attended FELTG’s previous supervisory webinar series, UnCivil Servant: Holding Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct, or any of our other flagship courses, these fast-paced and engaging 60-minute sessions, held monthly from 1 – 2 pm ET, will expand upon the legal and foundational principles shared in those sessions with best practices to handle very specific discipline, performance, leave, and reasonable accommodation situations. And the guidance shared will help you build the necessary framework to tackle numerous other specific and equally challenging situations.

FELTG’s annual supervisory series will get you up to speed quickly, without wasting any of your time. Just 60 minutes each month. The sessions are taught live by FELTG’s experience instructors AND you’ll have the chance to ask questions and get answers — in real time.

2023 dates and topics:

March 7: Why Supervisors Need to Use the Douglas Factors

If you’re not using the Douglas factor analysis to figure out an appropriate penalty for a misbehaving employee, then you’re doing it wrong. And when an appeal is filed, your action may not be so easy to defend without this justification. A scan of MSPB cases reveals how regularly Federal supervisors fail to understand these factors, and how that lack of understanding may sink the agency’s case. FELTG instructor Ann Boehm will explain the importance of the Douglas factors, using both foundational and recent case law examples, and walk you through the importance of each factor.

 April 4: 5 Keys to Implementing and Managing a Successful Performance Opportunity Period

You’re not alone. Every agency has employees whose performance is unacceptable. The key to addressing poor performance is to initiate an opportunity to demonstrate acceptable performance (called everything from a PIP or OIP to an ODAP or DP). A successful opportunity period will either lead to sustained improved performance OR a defensible performance-based removal. From the Santos requirement to a post-PIP drop in performance, FELTG President Deborah Hopkins will explain the key steps to take and pitfalls to avoid.

May 2: They Just Won’t Show Up: Handling Excessive Absence

In a year when no-shows are more common than they should be, supervisors need to understand how to handle excessive absence, using the appropriate tools to correct employee behavior, while keeping in mind cases that involve reasonable accommodation or medical inability to perform. In 60 minutes, FELTG Senior Instructor Barbara Haga will share the documentation needed and steps necessary to effectively discipline an employee for excessive absence, leave abuse, and other related matters.

June 6: Ensuring Accountability with Hybrid and Teleworking Employees

Many experts agree: The performance success of a hybrid or telework environment will come down to managers and supervisors. You may think you know how to discipline. And you may think you know how to handle poor performance. Now that your employees are spread out beyond the physical workplace, you must hold all equally accountable for performance and conduct, regardless of where they physically work. FELTG President Deborah Hopkins will give you the tools and foundation to effectively do that, while also managing employees who remain in the physical workplace.

July 11: Trends in Hostile Work Environment Harassment: 2023 Edition

The pandemic sparked a rise in hate crimes against Asian-Pacific Americans and now the country is dealing with a steep increase in antisemitic threats and actions. How have these trends impacted the Federal workplace, and what is the supervisor’s role when it manifests in microaggressions, bias, harassment, or outright discrimination? This 60-minute webinar provides the tools supervisors need to recognize and quickly take effective action to prevent and correct illegal harassment in the workplace..

August 8: Providing Reasonable Accommodation for Invisible Disabilities

The effects of the pandemic live on in an increase in chronic fatigue and depression, not to mention the severe impact of long haul COVID. Meanwhile, chronic pain, diabetes, and other non-visible disabilities are on the rise as the Federal workplace continues to age. During this webinar, managers will learn how to find the right accommodation for a number of hidden disabilities.

August 22: What Supervisors Should Know About Official Time

The Labor-Management Statute holds labor and management equally accountable to the taxpayer with a shared responsibility to ensure that official time is authorized and used appropriately. In this 60-minute class, Joseph Schimansky will share everything that supervisors need to know to uphold that responsibility without overstepping their role. Attendees will learn who is entitled to official time — and who isn’t, along with the latest relevant case law and guidance.

Pricing

Early Bird Tuition:

  • $270 per site, per session (payment required by February 24).
  • Special series discounts available through February 24: $1,525 for the first 6 webinars or $1,795 for all 7. See registration form for details.

Standard Tuition: 

  • $295 per site, per session (payments made February 25 or later).

Working from home? Teleworkers may be added to a primary site registration for $60 each, per session, on a space-available basis.

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training using the “Pay Now” option will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.

Jun
29
Thu
Virtual Training Event – Addressing Bias and Microaggressions to Advance Agency DEIA
Jun 29 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Course Description

Office of Personnel Management Director (OPM) Kiran Ahuja recently echoed the Administration’s commitment to ensuring that every “service-minded individual feels welcome and supported in contributing their talents to the Federal workforce.”

Employees, regardless of race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, gender identity or sexual orientation, will not feel welcome, supported, respected, or empowered unless the agency addresses unconscious bias and microaggressions in the workplace.

If you have not yet addressed bias or microaggression in your DEIA training, then you can’t afford to miss this two-hour virtual event.

What is a microaggression? FELTG Instructor Katherine Atkinson, attorney at law, will explain what microaggressions look like in their various forms — microinsults, microassaults, and microinvalidations.

Whether intentional or not, microaggressions can be very hurtful to the employees who experience them, and such behaviors indicating implicit bias can lead to a hostile work environment. They also put a serious dent in employee morale, productivity, and retention.

Ms. Atkinson will also share an implicit bias test, explain its impact, and provide examples. She’ll provide a quick review of EEO law so you can determine when bias or microaggression leads to the level of discrimination.

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Identify acts of microaggression and acts influenced by implicit bias.
  • Recognize and define harassment.
  • Respond appropriately and effectively when you see a microaggression in the workplace.

This program meets the President’s mandate to provide training on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in the Federal workplace.

Date and Time

Thursday, June 29, 2023, 1:00 – 3:00 pm ET

Instructor

Katherine Atkinson

Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $295 (register by June 14)
  • Standard Tuition: $325 (register June 15-29)
  • Rates per registrant.

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Zoom for this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device. You may also attend the training event as an audio training, by dialing in over the phone and following along with the materials independently.
  • Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
    • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
  • Can I share my access link with co-workers?
    • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
  • Can I register a teleworker?
    • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals. Group discounts are available until June 14.

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training using the “Pay Now” option will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.

Jul
11
Tue
Webinar Series – The Federal Supervisor’s Workshop: Building the Best Toolkit for Managing Today’s Workforce
Jul 11 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Barbara Haga, Katherine Atkinson, Ann Boehm, Joe Schimansky

Course Description

The most comprehensive supervisory training event available anywhere returns once again. The Federal Supervisor’s Workshop: Building the Best Toolkit for Managing Today’s Workforce offers six specific sessions (with a bonus seventh session for those who manage bargaining unit employees) that will give you the tools and skills to effectively and efficiently manage in the Federal workplace circa 2023.

If you’ve attended FELTG’s previous supervisory webinar series, UnCivil Servant: Holding Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct, or any of our other flagship courses, these fast-paced and engaging 60-minute sessions, held monthly from 1 – 2 pm ET, will expand upon the legal and foundational principles shared in those sessions with best practices to handle very specific discipline, performance, leave, and reasonable accommodation situations. And the guidance shared will help you build the necessary framework to tackle numerous other specific and equally challenging situations.

FELTG’s annual supervisory series will get you up to speed quickly, without wasting any of your time. Just 60 minutes each month. The sessions are taught live by FELTG’s experience instructors AND you’ll have the chance to ask questions and get answers — in real time.

2023 dates and topics:

March 7: Why Supervisors Need to Use the Douglas Factors

If you’re not using the Douglas factor analysis to figure out an appropriate penalty for a misbehaving employee, then you’re doing it wrong. And when an appeal is filed, your action may not be so easy to defend without this justification. A scan of MSPB cases reveals how regularly Federal supervisors fail to understand these factors, and how that lack of understanding may sink the agency’s case. FELTG instructor Ann Boehm will explain the importance of the Douglas factors, using both foundational and recent case law examples, and walk you through the importance of each factor.

 April 4: 5 Keys to Implementing and Managing a Successful Performance Opportunity Period

You’re not alone. Every agency has employees whose performance is unacceptable. The key to addressing poor performance is to initiate an opportunity to demonstrate acceptable performance (called everything from a PIP or OIP to an ODAP or DP). A successful opportunity period will either lead to sustained improved performance OR a defensible performance-based removal. From the Santos requirement to a post-PIP drop in performance, FELTG President Deborah Hopkins will explain the key steps to take and pitfalls to avoid.

May 2: They Just Won’t Show Up: Handling Excessive Absence

In a year when no-shows are more common than they should be, supervisors need to understand how to handle excessive absence, using the appropriate tools to correct employee behavior, while keeping in mind cases that involve reasonable accommodation or medical inability to perform. In 60 minutes, FELTG Senior Instructor Barbara Haga will share the documentation needed and steps necessary to effectively discipline an employee for excessive absence, leave abuse, and other related matters.

June 6: Ensuring Accountability with Hybrid and Teleworking Employees

Many experts agree: The performance success of a hybrid or telework environment will come down to managers and supervisors. You may think you know how to discipline. And you may think you know how to handle poor performance. Now that your employees are spread out beyond the physical workplace, you must hold all equally accountable for performance and conduct, regardless of where they physically work. FELTG President Deborah Hopkins will give you the tools and foundation to effectively do that, while also managing employees who remain in the physical workplace.

July 11: Trends in Hostile Work Environment Harassment: 2023 Edition

The pandemic sparked a rise in hate crimes against Asian-Pacific Americans and now the country is dealing with a steep increase in antisemitic threats and actions. How have these trends impacted the Federal workplace, and what is the supervisor’s role when it manifests in microaggressions, bias, harassment, or outright discrimination? This 60-minute webinar provides the tools supervisors need to recognize and quickly take effective action to prevent and correct illegal harassment in the workplace..

August 8: Providing Reasonable Accommodation for Invisible Disabilities

The effects of the pandemic live on in an increase in chronic fatigue and depression, not to mention the severe impact of long haul COVID. Meanwhile, chronic pain, diabetes, and other non-visible disabilities are on the rise as the Federal workplace continues to age. During this webinar, managers will learn how to find the right accommodation for a number of hidden disabilities.

August 22: What Supervisors Should Know About Official Time

The Labor-Management Statute holds labor and management equally accountable to the taxpayer with a shared responsibility to ensure that official time is authorized and used appropriately. In this 60-minute class, Joseph Schimansky will share everything that supervisors need to know to uphold that responsibility without overstepping their role. Attendees will learn who is entitled to official time — and who isn’t, along with the latest relevant case law and guidance.

Pricing

Early Bird Tuition:

  • $270 per site, per session (payment required by February 24).
  • Special series discounts available through February 24: $1,525 for the first 6 webinars or $1,795 for all 7. See registration form for details.

Standard Tuition: 

  • $295 per site, per session (payments made February 25 or later).

Working from home? Teleworkers may be added to a primary site registration for $60 each, per session, on a space-available basis.

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training using the “Pay Now” option will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.

Jul
31
Mon
Virtual Training Event – Federal Workplace 2023: Accountability, Challenges, and Trends
Jul 31 – Aug 4 all-day

Course Description

Welcome to FELTG’s annual Federal Workplace event. This year, we’ve altered the format, but here’s what hasn’t changed: Federal Workplace 2023: Accountability, Challenges, and Trends will provide in-depth, up-to-date, engaging, and guidance-filled training sessions to help you effectively manage the Federal employment challenges that are new, complicated, and critical to your and your agency’s success.

In half-day classes over five days, you will learn how to effectively manage performance in a hybrid workplace, properly assess requests for telework as a reasonable accommodation, draft disciplinary charges and make penalty determinations that withstand the review of the new MSPB, address your own biases and recognize how racial myths have infiltrated policies and procedures, make the most of your job interviews and reference checks, and identify the pitfalls that are derailing your EEO investigations.

Federal Workplace 2023: Accountability, Challenges, and Trends offers benefits that you just can’t get from most virtual training programs. You can register for any of the sessions individually, or for the whole program. The training is presented LIVE by some of your favorite engaging and knowledgeable FELTG instructors – President Deborah J. Hopkins, Ann Boehm, and Barbara Haga – along with highly respected guest presenters J. Bruce Stewart, Ph.D., and Roslyn Brown.

Earn CLE credits, EEO refresher hours, and receive unique DEIA training that meets the President’s mandate.

The new fiscal year is just weeks away. Make sure you’re prepared to tackle the challenges coming your way. Attend FELTG’s Federal Workplace 2023: Accountability, Challenges, and Trends.

Monday, July 31, 2023

The Post-pandemic Federal Workplace: Telework and Hybrid Work Challenges

Presented by Ann Boehm, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

The pandemic has likely forever changed the Federal workplace. More employees (and applicants) than ever before not only want to work remotely but expect to. In an effort to bring some employees back to their physical workspace, the “hybrid” workplace has become the norm for most Federal agencies.

With some people working remotely and others onsite, how do you ensure that you hold all employees accountable for performance – and how do you ensure that it’s done fairly? And how do you handle the increasing number of requests to telework, especially those citing the request as an accommodation for a disability?

Some employees will struggle regardless of whether they’re at home or in an office. Using framework from FELTG’s flagship course UnCivil Servant: Holding Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct, Ann Boehm will provide guidance on swiftly and effectively addressing unacceptable performance, regardless of where the employee is working. Plus she’ll discuss setting expectations and monitoring performance of employees who aren’t onsite.

She’ll also leave you with a path to determine when to say yes to a request for reasonable accommodation to telework – and when to say no.  Find out what the EEOC says about accommodating an employee’s commute and what to do if telework would be an effective accommodation, but another accommodation would work too.

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Appropriately handle requests for telework as a reasonable accommodation.
  • Write valid performance standards that apply to the employee’s current working situation.
  • Improve their skills for handling unacceptable performers, regardless of their work location.

Tuesday, August 1, 2023

Charges and Penalties Under the New MSPB

Presented by Deborah J. Hopkins, Attorney at Law, FELTG President

If you’ve been in the business for more than a few days, you know the importance of drafting legally sufficient disciplinary charges and making a defensible penalty determination. Yet many agencies still lose cases because of poorly drafted charges, or inadequate Douglas factor penalty assessments.

FELTG President Deborah J. Hopkins will cover the art and science behind drafting disciplinary charges, including the types of charges, parts of a charge, how charges are interpreted, and alternative charges. From there the discussion will cover the factors required to determine an appropriate penalty for employee misconduct. We’ll also look at how the current MSPB views charges and penalties by deconstructing recent cases they’ve issued.

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Determine what charges to use based on the circumstances.
  • Defend the reasonableness of the penalty using the Douglas Factors.
  • Increase their chances of penalty deference based on this Board’s view on penalty assessment.

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

The Race Ahead: Breaking the Cycle of Racial Bias by Rewiring the American Mind

Dr. J. Bruce Stewart, Chief Executive Officer, Small World Solutions

Are you curious about how our perceptions of race have been rewired over time? Do you want to explore the negative associations with race and how they perpetuate racial biases? This class is not about blame and shame, it’s about gaining a deeper understanding of how demographic changes in America have impacted our understanding of race. J. Bruce Stewart will delve into the myths of meritocracy, character, and intelligence that have perpetuated racial biases. When racial biases inform policies and practices, it results in unequal treatment and creates a system where some individuals or groups are favored over others. Join us to discover how you can move your agency towards a more inclusive and equitable future.

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Identify the negative associations that perpetuate racial myths and shape policies and practices.
  • Gain insight into the power of networks and stories in challenging the race myth and how to shift towards a more inclusive future.
  • Develop strategies and tactics to dismantle racial bias in their own communities and confront their own biases.

This session meets the President’s mandate to provide training on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in the Federal workplace.

Thursday, August 3, 2023

Successful Hiring: Effective Techniques for Interviewing and Reference Checking

Barbara Haga, President/Federal HR Services, FELTG Senior Instructor

The Federal hiring process requires patience. If you’ve finally been granted approval to fill a position, you may be tempted to get someone hired as quickly as possible.

This interactive training will prepare supervisors and managers for conducting legal and successful job interviews, and will help agency advisors who assist managers in the hiring process. Barbara Haga will share guidance on how to make the most out of interviewing and checking references, from crafting an accurate position description, to asking the right questions, to assessing a candidate’s ability to perform the job. Ms. Haga will also throw back the curtains on perennial questions, such as: Are we required to interview all candidates? Do we have to ask all candidates the same exact questions? How do you use behavior-based questions to get answers about depth of experience or knowledge? What can or can’t you ask during a reference check?

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Prepare defensible questions for applicants.
  • Identify hiring practices that work and those to avoid.
  • Get critical job-related information from current and past supervisors.

Friday, August 4, 2023

Bad Detective: The Mistakes That Hamper Agency Investigations

Roslyn Brown, President/CEO at EEO Workplace Strategies

Maybe you envision yourself donning a Sherlock Holmes hat and cape. Or, perhaps, your model is the masterful Benoit Blanc of Knives Out Mystery fame. If only the work of a Federal administrative investigation was as easy as these fictional detectives make their jobs seem. Instead, there are more than enough opportunities for you to come out looking like a bumbling Inspector Clouseau.

During her distinguished Federal (and post-Federal) career, Roslyn Brown has seen her fair share of investigations that have gone the wrong way. It could be an investigator’s failure to interview certain witnesses, a failure to take a complainant’s statement into account, or, perhaps, an action, such as a widely shared email, that shows a lack of objectivity. An investigator’s failure to stay up to date with case law could sink a case, as could the inability to meet your deadlines.

Over the course of an afternoon, Ms. Brown will provide guidance on how to conduct a timely and effective investigation, while identifying the pitfalls that have doomed such efforts in the past.

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Collect relevant evidence during the investigation.
  • Refine their investigation skills.
  • Identify the pitfalls that that derail effective investigations.

Attendees can also earn up to 3.5 EEO refresher credits by attending this session.

Date and Time

July 31 – August 4, 2023

1:00 – 4:30 pm ET each day (with a 30-minute break)

Instructors

Deborah J. Hopkins, Ann Boehm, Barbara Haga, J. Bruce Stewart, Roslyn Brown

Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

Price

Early Bird Tuition (register by July 6):

  • 5 days = $1595
  • 4 days = $1365
  • 3 days = $995
  • 2 days = $725
  • 1 day = $395

Standard Tuition (register July 7 and later):

  • 5 days = $1695
  • 4 days = $1465
  • 3 days = $1095
  • 2 days = $825
  • 1 day = $495

Rates per registrant. No split registrations permitted.

Want to register a group? Group discounts are available through July 6. Contact FELTG. REGISTER NOW.

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Zoom to broadcast this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
  • Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
    • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
  • Can I share my access link with co-workers?
    • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
  • Can I register a teleworker?
    • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more attendees for the full event. Group discounts are available through July 6.

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training using the “Pay Now” option will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.

Virtual Training Event – The Post-pandemic Federal Workplace: Telework and Hybrid Work Challenges
Jul 31 @ 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Course Description

The pandemic has likely forever changed the Federal workplace. More employees (and applicants) than ever before not only want to work remotely but expect to. In an effort to bring some employees back to their physical workspace, the “hybrid” workplace has become the norm for most Federal agencies.

With some people working remotely and others onsite, how do you ensure that you hold all employees accountable for performance – and how do you ensure that it’s done fairly? And how do you handle the increasing number of requests to telework, especially those citing the request as an accommodation for a disability?

Some employees will struggle regardless of whether they’re at home or in an office. Using framework from FELTG’s flagship course UnCivil Servant: Holding Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct, Ann Boehm will provide guidance on swiftly and effectively addressing unacceptable performance, regardless of where the employee is working. Plus she’ll discuss setting expectations and monitoring performance of employees who aren’t onsite.

She’ll also leave you with a path to determine when to say yes to a request for reasonable accommodation to telework – and when to say no.  Find out what the EEOC says about accommodating an employee’s commute and what to do if telework would be an effective accommodation, but another accommodation would work too.

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Appropriately handle requests for telework as a reasonable accommodation.
  • Write valid performance standards that apply to the employee’s current working situation.
  • Improve their skills for handling unacceptable performers, regardless of their work location.

This session is a part of FELTG’s weeklong virtual training event Federal Workplace 2023: Accountability, Challenges, and Trends. Visit here for more information on the full event.

Date and Time

July 31, 2023, 1 – 4:30 pm ET

Instructor

Ann Boehm

Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition (register by July 6): $395
  • Standard Tuition (register July 7 or later): $495
  • Rates per registrant.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts are available through July 6. Contact FELTG. REGISTER NOW.

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Zoom to broadcast this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
  • Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
    • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
  • Can I share my access link with co-workers?
    • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
  • Can I register a teleworker?
    • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more attendees for the full event. Group discounts are available through July 6.

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training using the “Pay Now” option will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.

Aug
2
Wed
Virtual Training Event – The Race Ahead: Breaking the Cycle of Racial Bias by Rewiring the American Mind
Aug 2 @ 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Course Description

Are you curious about how our perceptions of race have been rewired over time? Do you want to explore the negative associations with race and how they perpetuate racial biases? This class is not about blame and shame, it’s about gaining a deeper understanding of how demographic changes in America have impacted our understanding of race. J. Bruce Stewart will delve into the myths of meritocracy, character, and intelligence that have perpetuated racial biases. When racial biases inform policies and practices, it results in unequal treatment and creates a system where some individuals or groups are favored over others. Join us to discover how you can move your agency towards a more inclusive and equitable future.

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Identify the negative associations that perpetuate racial myths and shape policies and practices.
  • Gain insight into the power of networks and stories in challenging the race myth and how to shift towards a more inclusive future.
  • Develop strategies and tactics to dismantle racial bias in their own communities and confront their own biases.

This session meets the President’s mandate to provide training on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in the Federal workplace.

This session is a part of FELTG’s weeklong virtual training event Federal Workplace 2023: Accountability, Challenges, and Trends. Visit here for more information on the full event.

Date and Time

August 2, 2023, 1 – 4:30 pm ET

Instructor

J. Bruce Stewart

Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition (register by July 6): $395
  • Standard Tuition (register July 7 or later): $495
  • Rates per registrant.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts are available through July 6. Contact FELTG. REGISTER NOW.

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Zoom to broadcast this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
  • Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
    • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
  • Can I share my access link with co-workers?
    • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
  • Can I register a teleworker?
    • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more attendees for the full event. Group discounts are available through July 6.

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training using the “Pay Now” option will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.

Aug
3
Thu
Virtual Training Event – Successful Hiring: Effective Techniques for Interviewing and Reference Checking
Aug 3 @ 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Course Description

The Federal hiring process requires patience. If you’ve finally been granted approval to fill a position, you may be tempted to get someone hired as quickly as possible.

This interactive training will prepare supervisors and managers for conducting legal and successful job interviews, and will help agency advisors who assist managers in the hiring process. Barbara Haga will share guidance on how to make the most out of interviewing and checking references, from crafting an accurate position description, to asking the right questions, to assessing a candidate’s ability to perform the job. Ms. Haga will also throw back the curtains on perennial questions, such as: Are we required to interview all candidates? Do we have to ask all candidates the same exact questions? How do you use behavior-based questions to get answers about depth of experience or knowledge? What can or can’t you ask during a reference check?

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Prepare defensible questions for applicants.
  • Identify hiring practices that work and those to avoid.
  • Get critical job-related information from current and past supervisors.

This session is a part of FELTG’s weeklong virtual training event Federal Workplace 2023: Accountability, Challenges, and Trends. Visit here for more information on the full event.

Date and Time

August 3, 2023, 1 – 4:30 pm ET

Instructor

Barbara Haga

Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition (register by July 6): $395
  • Standard Tuition (register July 7 or later): $495
  • Rates per registrant.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts are available through July 6. Contact FELTG. REGISTER NOW.

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Zoom to broadcast this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
  • Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
    • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
  • Can I share my access link with co-workers?
    • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
  • Can I register a teleworker?
    • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more attendees for the full event. Group discounts are available through July 6.

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training using the “Pay Now” option will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.

Aug
4
Fri
Virtual Training Event – Bad Detective: The Mistakes That Hamper Agency Investigations
Aug 4 @ 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Course Description

Maybe you envision yourself donning a Sherlock Holmes hat and cape. Or, perhaps, your model is the masterful Benoit Blanc of Knives Out Mystery fame. If only the work of a Federal administrative investigation was as easy as these fictional detectives make their jobs seem. Instead, there are more than enough opportunities for you to come out looking like a bumbling Inspector Clouseau.

During her distinguished Federal (and post-Federal) career, Roslyn Brown has seen her fair share of investigations that have gone the wrong way. It could be an investigator’s failure to interview certain witnesses, a failure to take a complainant’s statement into account, or, perhaps, an action, such as a widely shared email, that shows a lack of objectivity. An investigator’s failure to stay up to date with case law could sink a case, as could the inability to meet your deadlines.

Over the course of an afternoon, Ms. Brown will provide guidance on how to conduct a timely and effective investigation, while identifying the pitfalls that have doomed such efforts in the past.

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Collect relevant evidence during the investigation.
  • Refine their investigation skills.
  • Identify the pitfalls that that derail effective investigations.

Attendees can also earn up to 3.5 EEO refresher credits by attending this session.

This session is a part of FELTG’s weeklong virtual training event Federal Workplace 2023: Accountability, Challenges, and Trends. Visit here for more information on the full event.

Date and Time

August 4, 2023, 1 – 4:30 pm ET

Instructor

Roslyn Brown

Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition (register by July 6): $395
  • Standard Tuition (register July 7 or later): $495
  • Rates per registrant.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts are available through July 6. Contact FELTG. REGISTER NOW.

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Zoom to broadcast this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
  • Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
    • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
  • Can I share my access link with co-workers?
    • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
  • Can I register a teleworker?
    • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more attendees for the full event. Group discounts are available through July 6.

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training using the “Pay Now” option will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.

Aug
8
Tue
Webinar Series – The Federal Supervisor’s Workshop: Building the Best Toolkit for Managing Today’s Workforce
Aug 8 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Barbara Haga, Katherine Atkinson, Ann Boehm, Joe Schimansky

Course Description

The most comprehensive supervisory training event available anywhere returns once again. The Federal Supervisor’s Workshop: Building the Best Toolkit for Managing Today’s Workforce offers six specific sessions (with a bonus seventh session for those who manage bargaining unit employees) that will give you the tools and skills to effectively and efficiently manage in the Federal workplace circa 2023.

If you’ve attended FELTG’s previous supervisory webinar series, UnCivil Servant: Holding Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct, or any of our other flagship courses, these fast-paced and engaging 60-minute sessions, held monthly from 1 – 2 pm ET, will expand upon the legal and foundational principles shared in those sessions with best practices to handle very specific discipline, performance, leave, and reasonable accommodation situations. And the guidance shared will help you build the necessary framework to tackle numerous other specific and equally challenging situations.

FELTG’s annual supervisory series will get you up to speed quickly, without wasting any of your time. Just 60 minutes each month. The sessions are taught live by FELTG’s experience instructors AND you’ll have the chance to ask questions and get answers — in real time.

2023 dates and topics:

March 7: Why Supervisors Need to Use the Douglas Factors

If you’re not using the Douglas factor analysis to figure out an appropriate penalty for a misbehaving employee, then you’re doing it wrong. And when an appeal is filed, your action may not be so easy to defend without this justification. A scan of MSPB cases reveals how regularly Federal supervisors fail to understand these factors, and how that lack of understanding may sink the agency’s case. FELTG instructor Ann Boehm will explain the importance of the Douglas factors, using both foundational and recent case law examples, and walk you through the importance of each factor.

 April 4: 5 Keys to Implementing and Managing a Successful Performance Opportunity Period

You’re not alone. Every agency has employees whose performance is unacceptable. The key to addressing poor performance is to initiate an opportunity to demonstrate acceptable performance (called everything from a PIP or OIP to an ODAP or DP). A successful opportunity period will either lead to sustained improved performance OR a defensible performance-based removal. From the Santos requirement to a post-PIP drop in performance, FELTG President Deborah Hopkins will explain the key steps to take and pitfalls to avoid.

May 2: They Just Won’t Show Up: Handling Excessive Absence

In a year when no-shows are more common than they should be, supervisors need to understand how to handle excessive absence, using the appropriate tools to correct employee behavior, while keeping in mind cases that involve reasonable accommodation or medical inability to perform. In 60 minutes, FELTG Senior Instructor Barbara Haga will share the documentation needed and steps necessary to effectively discipline an employee for excessive absence, leave abuse, and other related matters.

June 6: Ensuring Accountability with Hybrid and Teleworking Employees

Many experts agree: The performance success of a hybrid or telework environment will come down to managers and supervisors. You may think you know how to discipline. And you may think you know how to handle poor performance. Now that your employees are spread out beyond the physical workplace, you must hold all equally accountable for performance and conduct, regardless of where they physically work. FELTG President Deborah Hopkins will give you the tools and foundation to effectively do that, while also managing employees who remain in the physical workplace.

July 11: Trends in Hostile Work Environment Harassment: 2023 Edition

The pandemic sparked a rise in hate crimes against Asian-Pacific Americans and now the country is dealing with a steep increase in antisemitic threats and actions. How have these trends impacted the Federal workplace, and what is the supervisor’s role when it manifests in microaggressions, bias, harassment, or outright discrimination? This 60-minute webinar provides the tools supervisors need to recognize and quickly take effective action to prevent and correct illegal harassment in the workplace..

August 8: Providing Reasonable Accommodation for Invisible Disabilities

The effects of the pandemic live on in an increase in chronic fatigue and depression, not to mention the severe impact of long haul COVID. Meanwhile, chronic pain, diabetes, and other non-visible disabilities are on the rise as the Federal workplace continues to age. During this webinar, managers will learn how to find the right accommodation for a number of hidden disabilities.

August 22: What Supervisors Should Know About Official Time

The Labor-Management Statute holds labor and management equally accountable to the taxpayer with a shared responsibility to ensure that official time is authorized and used appropriately. In this 60-minute class, Joseph Schimansky will share everything that supervisors need to know to uphold that responsibility without overstepping their role. Attendees will learn who is entitled to official time — and who isn’t, along with the latest relevant case law and guidance.

Pricing

Early Bird Tuition:

  • $270 per site, per session (payment required by February 24).
  • Special series discounts available through February 24: $1,525 for the first 6 webinars or $1,795 for all 7. See registration form for details.

Standard Tuition: 

  • $295 per site, per session (payments made February 25 or later).

Working from home? Teleworkers may be added to a primary site registration for $60 each, per session, on a space-available basis.

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training using the “Pay Now” option will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.

Aug
22
Tue
Webinar Series – The Federal Supervisor’s Workshop: Building the Best Toolkit for Managing Today’s Workforce
Aug 22 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Barbara Haga, Katherine Atkinson, Ann Boehm, Joe Schimansky

Course Description

The most comprehensive supervisory training event available anywhere returns once again. The Federal Supervisor’s Workshop: Building the Best Toolkit for Managing Today’s Workforce offers six specific sessions (with a bonus seventh session for those who manage bargaining unit employees) that will give you the tools and skills to effectively and efficiently manage in the Federal workplace circa 2023.

If you’ve attended FELTG’s previous supervisory webinar series, UnCivil Servant: Holding Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct, or any of our other flagship courses, these fast-paced and engaging 60-minute sessions, held monthly from 1 – 2 pm ET, will expand upon the legal and foundational principles shared in those sessions with best practices to handle very specific discipline, performance, leave, and reasonable accommodation situations. And the guidance shared will help you build the necessary framework to tackle numerous other specific and equally challenging situations.

FELTG’s annual supervisory series will get you up to speed quickly, without wasting any of your time. Just 60 minutes each month. The sessions are taught live by FELTG’s experience instructors AND you’ll have the chance to ask questions and get answers — in real time.

2023 dates and topics:

March 7: Why Supervisors Need to Use the Douglas Factors

If you’re not using the Douglas factor analysis to figure out an appropriate penalty for a misbehaving employee, then you’re doing it wrong. And when an appeal is filed, your action may not be so easy to defend without this justification. A scan of MSPB cases reveals how regularly Federal supervisors fail to understand these factors, and how that lack of understanding may sink the agency’s case. FELTG instructor Ann Boehm will explain the importance of the Douglas factors, using both foundational and recent case law examples, and walk you through the importance of each factor.

 April 4: 5 Keys to Implementing and Managing a Successful Performance Opportunity Period

You’re not alone. Every agency has employees whose performance is unacceptable. The key to addressing poor performance is to initiate an opportunity to demonstrate acceptable performance (called everything from a PIP or OIP to an ODAP or DP). A successful opportunity period will either lead to sustained improved performance OR a defensible performance-based removal. From the Santos requirement to a post-PIP drop in performance, FELTG President Deborah Hopkins will explain the key steps to take and pitfalls to avoid.

May 2: They Just Won’t Show Up: Handling Excessive Absence

In a year when no-shows are more common than they should be, supervisors need to understand how to handle excessive absence, using the appropriate tools to correct employee behavior, while keeping in mind cases that involve reasonable accommodation or medical inability to perform. In 60 minutes, FELTG Senior Instructor Barbara Haga will share the documentation needed and steps necessary to effectively discipline an employee for excessive absence, leave abuse, and other related matters.

June 6: Ensuring Accountability with Hybrid and Teleworking Employees

Many experts agree: The performance success of a hybrid or telework environment will come down to managers and supervisors. You may think you know how to discipline. And you may think you know how to handle poor performance. Now that your employees are spread out beyond the physical workplace, you must hold all equally accountable for performance and conduct, regardless of where they physically work. FELTG President Deborah Hopkins will give you the tools and foundation to effectively do that, while also managing employees who remain in the physical workplace.

July 11: Trends in Hostile Work Environment Harassment: 2023 Edition

The pandemic sparked a rise in hate crimes against Asian-Pacific Americans and now the country is dealing with a steep increase in antisemitic threats and actions. How have these trends impacted the Federal workplace, and what is the supervisor’s role when it manifests in microaggressions, bias, harassment, or outright discrimination? This 60-minute webinar provides the tools supervisors need to recognize and quickly take effective action to prevent and correct illegal harassment in the workplace..

August 8: Providing Reasonable Accommodation for Invisible Disabilities

The effects of the pandemic live on in an increase in chronic fatigue and depression, not to mention the severe impact of long haul COVID. Meanwhile, chronic pain, diabetes, and other non-visible disabilities are on the rise as the Federal workplace continues to age. During this webinar, managers will learn how to find the right accommodation for a number of hidden disabilities.

August 22: What Supervisors Should Know About Official Time

The Labor-Management Statute holds labor and management equally accountable to the taxpayer with a shared responsibility to ensure that official time is authorized and used appropriately. In this 60-minute class, Joseph Schimansky will share everything that supervisors need to know to uphold that responsibility without overstepping their role. Attendees will learn who is entitled to official time — and who isn’t, along with the latest relevant case law and guidance.

Pricing

Early Bird Tuition:

  • $270 per site, per session (payment required by February 24).
  • Special series discounts available through February 24: $1,525 for the first 6 webinars or $1,795 for all 7. See registration form for details.

Standard Tuition: 

  • $295 per site, per session (payments made February 25 or later).

Working from home? Teleworkers may be added to a primary site registration for $60 each, per session, on a space-available basis.

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training using the “Pay Now” option will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.

Sep
6
Wed
Virtual Training Event – UnCivil Servant: Holding Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct
Sep 6 – Sep 7 all-day

Download Individual Registration Form

Course Description

FELTG’s flagship course UnCivil Servant empowers federal supervisors and advisers to confidently handle the challenges that come with supervising in the federal workplace. We hope that you never have to fire an employee. But it’s important that you have the tools to effectively address poor performance and misconduct, should the need arise.

Over the course of two half-days, UnCivil Servant identifies misconceptions about performance and misconduct-based actions and provides you with simple step-by-step guidance for taking swift, appropriate and legally defensible actions. The program also covers the very latest with Executive Order 14003, plus OPM regulations on performance and conduct.

Join FELTG for this special event, from wherever you are working – agency office or home. The program will be presented live, and you’ll have time to ask questions and get answers in real time. Note: This course fulfills OPM’s mandatory training requirements for new supervisors found at 5 CFR 412.202(b).

Registrants for both days will also receive a copy of the textbook UnCivil Servant: Holding Federal Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct, 5th Ed., by William Wiley and Deborah Hopkins.

This program runs from 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm eastern each day, with a 30-minute break midway.

Download Individual Registration Form

Instructor

Deborah J. Hopkins

Who Should Attend

Federal supervisors and managers; attorneys; Labor and Employee Relations Specialists; EEO specialists; union representatives.

Agenda

Wednesday, September 6

Accountability for Conduct and Performance, Part I: Accountability and supervisory authority; discipline and misconduct theory and practice; the five elements of discipline; off-duty misconduct; penalty defense and due process.

Thursday, September 7

Accountability for Conduct and Performance, Part II: Discipline procedures and appeals; disciplinary documents; defining unacceptable performance; dealing with poor performers; performance-based removal procedures.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $425 per session, $755 for both sessions (register by August 22).
  • Standard Tuition: $525 per session, $855 for both sessions (register August 23-September 7).
  • Rates per registrant. No split registrations permitted.
  • Want to register a group? Contact FELTG.

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Zoom for its Virtual Training Institute events. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
  • What if I want to attend a session but have a schedule conflict?
    • FELTG also plans to offer this live event periodically, so check our calendar for upcoming dates.
  • Can I share my access link with co-workers?
    • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
  • Can I register a teleworker?
    • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • If an agency wishes to register 10 or more attendees for the full event, a group discount will be applied if all registrations are received and paid for together. Group discount deadline is August 22.
  • Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
    • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.

Seminar registration includes a PDF copy of the program materials, plus a hard copy of the textbook UnCivil Servant: Holding Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct, 5th ed., by Wiley and Hopkins. In order to receive the textbook by the training date, please register by August 22 and provide a shipping address. Registrations received after August 22 will also receive a textbook, but materials are not guaranteed to arrive by the training date.

Sep
13
Wed
Virtual Training Event – Nondiscriminatory Hiring in the Federal Workplace: Advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility
Sep 13 @ 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Course Description

The federal hiring process is a challenging one that requires patience. Those who hurry the hiring process are not only likely to make a mistake in hiring, but they may also end up without sufficient documentation to combat a discrimination complaint, making the allegation difficult to defend against.

And there is NO excuse these days for having any steps in your hiring process that could be discriminatory. Per Executive Order, your agency should have already taken steps to “advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility,” and “eliminate, where applicable, barriers to equity, in Federal workforce functions.”

Regardless of where you are in the development of an agency Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) plan or whether your agency is even currently hiring, this half-day virtual training provides important guidance that you cannot afford to miss if you want to ensure your hiring practices are nondiscriminatory and align with the federal merit system principles.

FELTG instructor and attorney at law Katherine Atkinson will explain the types of interview questions that cause problems, and discuss selection panel roles and responsibilities, including ensuring the selecting officials implement best practices to develop and maintain evidence, demonstrating the non-selection was neither discriminatory nor retaliatory.

Attend from wherever you are working — agency office or home. The program will be presented live, and you’ll have time to ask questions and get answers in real time. This program runs from 1:00 – 4:30 pm eastern, with a 30-minute break midway.

This program meets the President’s mandate to provide training on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in the Federal workplace.

Date and Time

Wednesday, September 13, 2023, 1:00 – 4:30 pm ET

Instructor

Katherine Atkinson

Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $370 (register by August 29)
  • Standard Tuition: $395 (register August 30 or later)
  • Rates per registrant.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts for 10 or more attendees are available through August 29. Contact FELTG.

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Zoom for this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device. You may also attend the training event as an audio training, by dialing in over the phone and following along with the materials independently.
  • Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
    • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
  • What if I want to attend a session but have a schedule conflict?
    • FELTG plans to offer this live event periodically, so check our calendar for upcoming dates.
  • Can I share my access link with co-workers?
    • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
  • Can I register a teleworker?
    • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals. Group discounts are available through August 29.

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training using the “Pay Now” option will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.

Feb
14
Wed
Virtual Training Event – UnCivil Servant: Holding Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct
Feb 14 – Feb 15 all-day

Download Individual Registration Form

Course Description

UnCivil Servant empowers federal supervisors and advisers to confidently handle the challenges that come with supervising in the federal workplace. We hope that you never have to fire an employee. But it’s important that you have the tools to effectively address poor performance and misconduct, should the need arise.

Over the course of two half-days, UnCivil Servant identifies misconceptions about performance and misconduct-based actions and provides you with simple step-by-step guidance for taking swift, appropriate and legally defensible actions. This flagship FELTG class is continuously updated to reflect the latest case law, regulations, and guidance.

Join FELTG for this special event, from wherever you are working – agency office or home. The program will be presented live, and you’ll have time to ask questions and get answers in real time. Note: This course fulfills OPM’s mandatory training requirements for new supervisors found at 5 CFR 412.202(b).

Registrants for both days will also receive a copy of the textbook UnCivil Servant: Holding Federal Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct, 5th Ed., by William Wiley and Deborah Hopkins.

This program runs from 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm eastern each day, with a 30-minute break midway.

Download Individual Registration Form

Instructor

Deborah J. Hopkins

Who Should Attend

Federal supervisors and managers; attorneys; Labor and Employee Relations Specialists; EEO specialists; union representatives.

Agenda

Wednesday, February 14

Accountability for Conduct and Performance, Part I: Accountability and supervisory authority; discipline and misconduct theory and practice; the five elements of discipline; off-duty misconduct; penalty defense and due process.

Thursday, February 15

Accountability for Conduct and Performance, Part II: Discipline procedures and appeals; disciplinary documents; defining unacceptable performance; dealing with poor performers; performance-based removal procedures.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $525 per session, $855 for both sessions (register by January 15).
  • Standard Tuition: $625 per session, $955 for both sessions (register January 16 – February 14).
  • Rates per registrant. No split registrations permitted.
  • Want to register a group? Contact FELTG.

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Zoom for its Virtual Training Institute events. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
  • What if I want to attend a session but have a schedule conflict?
    • FELTG also plans to offer this live event periodically, so check our calendar for upcoming dates.
  • Can I share my access link with co-workers?
    • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
  • Can I register a teleworker?
    • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • If an agency wishes to register 10 or more attendees for the full event, a group discount will be applied if all registrations are received and paid for together. Group discount deadline is January 15.
  • Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
    • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.

Seminar registration includes a PDF copy of the program materials, plus a hard copy of the textbook UnCivil Servant: Holding Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct, 5th ed., by Wiley and Hopkins. In order to receive the textbook by the training date, please register by January 31 and provide a shipping address. Registrations received after January 31 will also receive a textbook, but materials are not guaranteed to arrive by the training date.

Mar
12
Tue
Virtual Training Event – Successfully Leading a Multi-generational Team
Mar 12 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Course Description

The Federal workplace is rapidly changing. As Baby Boomers retire, Generation Z employees are entering the workplace. And in between, you have Gen X and Millennials. How do you not only work with, but lead such a diverse array of generations? This two-hour class will show you how to use generational differences to understand your workforce – not categorize it. You will leave with foundational tools for motivating and mentoring your multi-generational team.

Attendees will learn also how to:

  • Understand key events that have impacted each generation
  • Identify potential workplace sticking points where generations may have different preferences, such as feedback or meetings, and use them as opportunities for new solutions
  • Develop strategies for communicating with different generations

 

Date and Time

March 12, 2024, 1 – 3 pm ET

Instructor

Susan Schneider

Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition (register by February 14): $345
  • Standard Tuition (register February 15-March 12): $385
  • Rates per registrant.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts for 10 or more attendees are available through February 14. Contact FELTG.

 

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Zoom to broadcast this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
  • Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
    • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
  • Can I share my access link with co-workers?
    • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
  • Can I register a teleworker?
    • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals. Group discounts are available through February 14. 

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training using the “Pay Now” option will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.

Mar
20
Wed
Virtual Training Event – Handling Teleworker Performance and Conduct Challenges
Mar 20 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Course Description

Remote work opportunities are no longer a wish for many employees, but an expectation. Even as agencies transition staff back to the workplace, a good deal of remote work remains. And so does the big problem: Telework isn’t for everyone.

It’s likely that you have employees who struggle whether they’re at home or in an office. Poor performance and misconduct can never be overlooked. FELTG’s flagship courses, such as UnCivil Servant, have empowered supervisors and their advisors to confidently handle the challenges that come with supervising federal employees. Using the UnCivil Servant framework, FELTG President and attorney at law Deborah Hopkins will address and provide guidance on handling employee conduct and performance issues, regardless of their work location.

Over the course of 90 minutes, Ms. Hopkins will address challenges such as remote employees, who:

  • Misuse technology or violate time and attendance protocols.
  • Fail to perform their critical element(s) at an acceptable level.
  • Request telework as a Reasonable Accommodation.

It’s imperative to agency mission that you use the right tools to swiftly and effectively address poor performance and misconduct, regardless of where the employee is doing – or NOT doing – the actual work.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Take disciplinary action against a teleworking employee.
  • Determine whether you have enough evidence that a non-performer should be put on a demonstration period during emergency telework.
  • Manage a demonstration period remotely.

Date and Time

March 20, 2024, 1-2:30 pm ET

Instructor

Deborah Hopkins

Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition (register by February 20): $325
  • Standard Tuition (register February 21 or later): $365
  • Rates per registrant.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts for 10 or more attendees are available through February 20. Contact FELTG.

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Zoom to broadcast this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
  • Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
    • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
  • Can I share my access link with co-workers?
    • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
  • Can I register a teleworker?
    • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals. Group discounts are available through February 20. 

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training using the “Pay Now” option will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.

Apr
9
Tue
Webinar — Handling AWOL and Failure to Follow Leave Procedures
Apr 9 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Course Description

It’s one of the situations most managers would most like to avoid — an employee who doesn’t show up for work. As agencies order some employees to return to the physical workplace, the chances an employee will not show up and not provide notice has increased. Is the best way to discipline the employee to charge him with AWOL?  What if he comes up with a reasonable explanation for his absence?  Can you deny a leave request when an employee was AWOL? Part of the Managing the Federal Workplace in 2024: Dos and Don’ts for Supervisors webinar series, this class will give you all of the tools and knowledge you need to successfully and confidently respond when employees fail to follow leave procedures.

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Hold employees accountable when they don’t show up for work.
  • Properly use an AWOL charge.
  • Expand knowledge of leave procedures.

Date and Time

April 9, 2024; 1 – 2 pm ET

Instructor

Deborah Hopkins

Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

Pricing

  • Early Bird Tuition (register by March 8): $145
  • Standard Tuition (register March 9 or later): $195
  • Rates per registrant.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts for 10 or more attendees are available through March 8. Contact FELTG.

 

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Zoom to broadcast this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
  • Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
    • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
  • Can I share my access link with co-workers?
    • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
  • Can I register a teleworker?
    • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals. Group discounts are available through March 8. 

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training using the “Pay Now” option will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.

Webinar Series – Managing the Federal Workplace in 2024: Dos and Don’ts for Supervisors
Apr 9 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Course Description

Being a Federal supervisor is a demanding job, made even more extracting by constant changes in Federal employment law. FELTG’s annual webinar series Managing the Federal Workplace in 2024: Dos and Don’ts for Supervisors aims to make the job a little less demanding, while providing you guidance and tools to understand the latest changes.

If you’ve attended FELTG’s previous supervisory webinar series, UnCivil Servant: Holding Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct, or any of our other flagship courses, these fast-paced and engaging 60-minute sessions, held monthly from 1 – 2 pm ET, will expand upon the legal and foundational principles shared in those sessions with best practices to handle AWOL, improve performance, adopt coaching, accommodate employees with disabilities, and determine whether to invite the union to a meeting.

FELTG’s annual supervisory series will get you up to speed quickly, without wasting any of your time. Just 60 minutes each month. The sessions are taught live by FELTG’s experience instructors AND you’ll have the chance to ask questions and get answers — in real time.

2024 dates and topics:

April 9: Handling AWOL and Failure to Follow Leave Procedures

It’s one of the situations most managers would most like to avoid — an employee who doesn’t show up for work. As agencies order some employees to return to the physical workplace, the chances an employee will not show up and not provide notice has increased. Is the best way to discipline the employee to charge him with AWOL?  What if he comes up with a reasonable explanation for his absence?  Can you deny a leave request when an employee was AWOL? This class will give you all of the tools and knowledge you need to successfully and confidently respond when employees fail to follow leave procedures.

May 7: How to Use a PIP in 2024

Federal supervisors have a useful tool to deal with underperforming employees – the Performance Improvement Plan (PIP). Yet, supervisors have consistently struggled with getting PIPs right. And then came the decision in Santos v. NASA, which requires agencies to have substantial evidence of poor performance BEFORE the implementing the PIP. This class will detail the ins and outs of this requirement and share clear guidance and the effective, time-tested FELTG approach to handling unacceptable performance in 2024. 

June 4: Coaching for Individuals and Teams – Tips for Supervisors

Working with a skilled coach can transform individuals and teams. When coaching an individual supervisor, the coach creates a safe and confidential space to clarify issues. A client learns to maximize strengths and minimize self-sabotage, and to improve communication (up, down, and across the organization). When working with a team, the coach employs observation, discussion and assessments to understand and minimize unproductive conflict and maximize the talents and perspectives of team members. During this hour-long class, participants will learn what to expect when working with a coach, the complementary roles of a facilitator, consultant, and coach, and examples of positive outcomes for individuals and teams.

July 16: Providing Effective Reasonable Accommodations in 2024

The reasonable accommodation process has always been challenging and full of surprises. The past year alone has seen the introduction of a new reasonable accommodation requirement for pregnant employees and the Supreme Court’s decision changing the undue hardship definition for religious accommodations. This fast-paced webinar will provide you with the most current legal and practical guidance.

August 6: The Union Doesn’t Get to Attend Every Meeting

Why do unions have the right to attend formal discussions? Why did Congress use the word “formal?” What does “formal” mean? What if the employee doesn’t want the union to attend the meeting? Is it better to just invite the union to every meeting? You have questions, questions, and more questions – and we have the answers in this webinar series finale.

Instructors

Deborah HopkinsJoe SchimanskySusan Schneider, Bob Woods

Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

Pricing

Early Bird Tuition (register by March 8):

  • One Webinar: $145
  • Two Webinars: $275
  • Three Webinars: $395
  • Four Webinars: $525
  • All Access: $655
  • Rates per registrant.

Standard Tuition (register March 9-August 6): 

  • One Webinar: $195
  • Two Webinars: $315
  • Three Webinars: $430
  • Four Webinars: $550
  • All Access: $695
  • Rates per registrant.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts for 10 or more attendees are available through March 8. Contact FELTG.

 

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training using the “Pay Now” option will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.

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