September 2025 Newsletter

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Isn't it TIME TO JOIN Professional Managers Association - What are you waiting for? Read Presidents Corner Below!

Presidents Management Agenda and OPM

Urgent Call to Action to Improve the Federal Hiring Experience

OMB and OPM recently released M-24-16: a memorandum on Improving the Federal Hiring Experience (HX) - for applicants, hiring managers, and HR Professionals. The announcement serves as a call to action for federal agencies to reduce unnecessary time and burden in the hiring process and it also aligns with the President’s Management Agenda Workforce Priority by providing tools that agencies can use to improve all facets of the hiring process.

The guidance identifies steps to:

1. Strengthen strategic workforce planning, recruitment, hiring, and data analytics at the enterprise level, taking advantage of the scale of the Federal workforce;

2. Design and build an improved Federal job applicant experience;

3. Improve the hiring manager experience by ensuring applicants who are referred are appropriately qualified; and

4. Empower human resources (HR) professionals and minimize HR burden by simplifying processes and advancing hiring policies that increase the number of selections made from hiring actions using effective assessments.

As a member of PMA we know how important it is for you to be engaged in what this means for you as, whether as an applicant or hiring manager.

If you’re a Hiring Manager, we encourage you to register for OPM’s HX Learning Series and Hiring Manager Symposium on September 18th.

We encourage you to read the guidance and share with your leadership, HR, and administrative officials in your office. For questions or more information, please send them to: workforce@omb.eop.gov

Materials to Review · WH Fact Sheet · Memo: M-24-16 · FAQ and other supporting documents (scroll down to attachments) · Federal Hiring Experience Learning Series

• OPM Tools: Mon, Sep 9 • 12:00 PM EDT
• Hiring Manager HX Symposium: Wed, Sep 18 • 11:30 AM EDT
• Agency Talent Portal: Find the Talent You Need: (for the Hiring Manager): Mon, Sep 23 • 1:00 PM EDT
• What You Need to Know About Assessments: Wed, Oct 2 • 1:00 PM EDT
• Agency Talent Portal: Find the Talent You Need (for the HR Specialist): Wed, Oct 16 • 1:00 PM EDT

Presidents Management Agenda: Understanding HX Guidance M-24-16

If you have any questions or would like more information please send them to: hx@opm.gov or workforce@omb.eop.gov.

HOT OFF THE PRESS

OPM is making the new fact sheet on maxiflex work schedules (a type of flexible work schedule) available on their website which can be found below. In addition, OPM has revised the previously issued guidance on hours of work for telework and remote work employees to provide further clarification on various work schedule scenarios. Check out their information below.Click here to access the Maxiflex Fact SheetClick here to access the revised Hours of Work for Telework & Remote Weork for Employees Guidance

Recognizing a long standing PMA member Congratulations Ken Corbin!

Kenneth C. Corbin is the 2024 Government Executive of the Year for his exceptional leadership and contributions to the IRS. With a career spanning nearly four decades, Ken has significantly transformed the IRS's approach to taxpayer service and digital excellence.Beginning his career in 1986 at the IRS Atlanta Service Center, Ken rose through various roles to become Commissioner of the Wage and Investment Division in 2017. He oversees a massive operation with 37,000 employees across the US and Puerto Rico, managing taxpayer assistance centers, call centers, and online services. In 2021, Ken was appointed as the IRS's first Chief Taxpayer Experience Officer, focusing on enhancing taxpayer interactions and service delivery.Under Ken's leadership, numerous innovations have been implemented to improve taxpayer service:• Enhanced content and search capabilities on IRS.gov• Introduction of the "Where's My Refund" tool and document upload capabilities• Development of online taxpayer accounts and voice/chat bots for faster service• Launch of a direct filing program and electronic form submissions to expedite processing Implementation of a callback feature to reduce hold times for taxpayersThese efforts have yielded substantial benefits for the public:In 2023, the IRS processed 150 million tax returns electronically and issued $335 billion in refunds.• IRS.gov received 871 million visits with 3.7 billion page views.Average speed to answer phone calls improved to 13 minutes, down from 29 minutes the previous year, with an 87% service level.Ken's initiatives have also significantly increased taxpayer trust in the IRS, with approval rising from 70% to 84% among those who interacted with IRS Assistors. His commitment to inclusivity is evident through efforts to support disabled and underserved communities, offering services in multiple languages and enhancing accessibility features on IRS platforms.In summary, Kenneth Corbin's leadership has not only streamlined IRS operations but has also set a new standard for customer service and digital transformation within government agencies. His vision and dedication have revolutionized the taxpayer experience, making IRS services more efficient, accessible, and user-friendly for millions of Americans.

Managerial Satisfaction Survey Results

THANK YOU!  Your participation in the Managerial Satisfaction Survey was very important your voice is heard. The following is a brief overview of the responses we gathered:

• Everyone who responded to the survey indicated they did participate in some form of management training (FLRP, FMS, etc)
• Motivating factors to become managers included helping others and increased pay.
• When asked how satisfied you were in your role as a manager, 21% indicated you were very satisfied.  Comments about what you liked included being able to help employees develop and reach their career goals and being able to advocate for the Taxpayers and being able to support employees in their positions.
• Challenges to being a manager included not having time, resources or support to do your job and constant change was another area of high concern.
• When asked what you felt would improve your role as a manager you stated the need for more staff support and a more professional work environment.
• 47% of those polled stated they were actively seeking other positions outside of management.  Reasons included lack of development, managerial support and workload.
• Additional comments about how you felt about being a manager included satisfaction in helping develop others.  Concerns include frustration in lack of just in time training and lack of support from upper management.  Concerns also include managerial burden and the lack of consistent structure that makes it difficult to deliver stated objectives.  Pay was frequently mentioned as a concern.  Those who stated they were very satisfied in their roles as managers stated frustration and disappointment with the Human Resources (HR) system to assist them with NTEU and employee issues.

PMA is here for you!  We intend to take the results of the survey and elevate your responses and specific issues within your work environment. Remember, as members of PMA you have the greatest resource of all - each other!  Chances are good if you are dealing with an issue that there is a peer manager out there that has dealt with it already.  We know It is easy to get frustrated but remember that you are not alone. You are the leaders of this agency and are committed to delivering the Taxpayers top quality customer service every day!

Join PMA Today and add your VOICE to ours!

For up to the minute information regarding everything PMA,
check out our website HERE!

The Importance of Being a PMA Member: Strengthening Our Collective Voice

As a PMA member, you are part of a network advocating for federal managers and non-bargaining unit employees, crucial for the IRS’s success. Amidst changing policies and rising expectations, PMA membership is vital. Our influence on agency leadership and Capitol Hill depends on our membership’s size and engagement.

Why PMA Membership Matters

PMA protects and promotes IRS managers’ interests, advocating for fair pay, benefits, and necessary resources. It engages with agency leadership to address concerns and improve work environments and growth opportunities. Our influence grows with our membership base, enabling us to shape agency priorities and resource allocation.

Stronger Membership Equals a Stronger Voice

Numbers matter in advocacy. A larger membership means a louder, more credible voice when advocating for better working conditions, leadership pipelines, and necessary resources. Elected officials and agency leadership notice when we represent a large, engaged body of professionals.

Recruit New Members: Strength in Numbers

As a PMA member, help us grow by encouraging colleagues to join. Each new member strengthens our position and helps secure wins for IRS managers. Share your positive experiences and the tangible benefits PMA has provided to recruit others.

Together, We Can Make a Difference

PMA empowers IRS managers to succeed, be heard, and shape the agency’s future. Every new member strengthens our impact. Let’s grow together and ensure PMA remains a powerful advocate. Encourage your colleagues to join us and continue making a difference.

Join. Advocate. Grow. The future of PMA is in your hands.

Thank you for your dedication and commitment. Together, we are making a difference within the IRS and for the taxpayers we serve.

All my best,
James Collins
President, Professional Managers Association

It's not too late to attend TODAY! APUS Educational Opportunity Webinar

As a PMA Member, advance your career with these fantastic opportunities and 15% savings!  

🌟 Join Our Webinar: Turn Your Desire to Make a Difference into Reality! 🌟Are you passionate about making a positive impact in your community? At American Public University (APU), we empower civil servants like you to contribute to the greater good through high-quality education.Why Choose APU?

• Affordable Tuition: Education should be accessible to everyone. Our affordable tuition ensures you can pursue your dreams without financial barriers.
• Flexible Learning: With monthly program starts and online courses, you can learn at your own pace and on your own schedule.
• Diverse Programs: Choose from over 200 degree and certificate programs designed to help you make a difference in your field.
• Exclusive PMA Member Benefits: As a member of the Professional Managers Association (PMA), you and your family receive a 15% tuition discount, making your educational journey even more affordable.

What You’ll Gain:

• High-Quality Education: Our programs are designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in your career.
• Community Impact: When you pursue your passion, you not only change your life but also positively impact your community and the world.

Don’t Miss Out!Your opportunity to make a difference is within reach, without limits. Join our webinar to learn more about how APU can help you achieve your goals and contribute to the greater good.📅 Date: Sept. 18th🕒 Time: 3pm EST📍 Location: OnlinePMA, in partnership with American Public University offers members and their immediate family members a 15% tuition grant. For more information go to https://apupartners.com/pma‍IRS Careers

Click on image above to learn more about IRS Jobs! Attend APUS Webinar to     strengthen your career goals. Share with Family and Friends.

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