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JOB PERFORMANCE
Performance Appraisals
Performance appraisals are a good way to monitor
employee performance or to create a paper trail for taking action
against an employee whose work is unsatisfactory. A performance
appraisal should give an honest assessment of an employee’s performance
and be used as a tool to give employees guidance for improvement. If at
any time in the future an employee is not performing to the standards of
the organization, a performance appraisal that has not been completed
honestly could work against an employer. NPCs should educate
investigators and supervisors about the importance of a accurate
performance appraisal. Also, there should be a commitment by the NPC to
perform appraisals on an annual basis, but care should be given to not
obligate the NPC.
Awards and Recognition Program
Employers may want to reward or recognize an NPC
employee who has done excellent work or provided exemplary service. An
awards and recognition program is a good incentive program for
employees. However, be sure to implement such a program in such a way
that all employees perceive it to be fair. A poorly managed bonus
program can cause low morale and disgruntled employees.
Any compensation, including bonuses or incentive awards,
to a VA employee for performance of their federal job from any source
other than the government of the United States is a violation of
Title 18, Part I, Chapter 11, Sec. 209 - Salary of Government officials
and employees payable only by United States. Willful engagement of
conduct constituting an offense is punishable with up to five years
and/or $50,000. See also Dual Compensation page.
Salary Determination
Salary determinations should be made for new employees
and for current employees on a periodic basis. Employers may want to
perform a comparative salary analysis of local employee pay scales to
ensure that salaries are competitive. Many NPCs tie NPC employee pay
scales to VA and university rates for individuals with similar job
descriptions.
Cost of Living Increases
Increases in salary for job performance should not be
confused with cost of living increases (or COLA’s) and vice versa. NPCs
should make every effort to give employees COLAs. If an NPC does decide
to give employees a COLA, it may be a good idea to provide the increase
at the same time and rate given to VA employees.
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