FEDS February Newsletter
Manager Vulnerability Rises with Workplace Harassment at FDIC
A recent
report by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Office of Inspector General (OIG) found that, while a majority of agency employees who responded to a workplace culture survey feel safe, valued, and respected, employee views of FDIC management and leadership in related to harassment and misconduct were less favorable.
Harassment Highlighted
According to the report, more than one-third of respondents believe harassment is common in the workplace. Additionally, some employees believe that FDIC managers had not protected victims of harassment, and even retaliated against those who filed a complaint, which was supported by FDIC OIG’s review of cases and settlement agreements. FDIC employees believe that these conditions occurred because FDIC leadership does not consistently implement agency policies and core values, such as fairness, accountability, and integrity. Despite inadequate policies, blame may be placed on FDIC managers. When this happens, it is crucial that managers have a professional liability insurance (PLI) policy from FEDS Protection to help.
Accountability Absence
FDIC OIG found that the agency did not consistently maintain documentation related to disciplinary actions resulting from allegations of harassment, and the decision-making process for these disciplinary actions was not documented. Additionally, the FDIC does not have clear policy, standards, and procedures for documenting the process that it follows to make disciplinary decisions. Under FDIC policies, reporting allegations of harassment or related misconduct to the appropriate stakeholders is not required.
According to FDIC OIG, the agency is at risk of long-term challenges in achieving FDIC’s mission and retaining talent if the workplace culture does not change. Currently, employees do not believe that FDIC’s workplace culture demonstrates commitment to its core values. If steps are not taken to hold personnel accountable and create an environment where employees can confidently report harassment, mistrust in agency leadership will continue to grow. With a lack of clear policies for reporting harassment and related misconduct, federal managers are at risk of losing employee trust, criticism from agency leadership, and even allegations and lawsuits.
Allegations and investigations can lead to disciplinary actions such as suspensions and terminations being taken against you, or personal capacity lawsuits. If an allegation is made against you, it is a necessity, not luxury, to have knowledgeable and effective counsel advocating on your behalf.
Protecting Personnel
As the professional liability insurance (PLI) provider endorsed by the leading federal employee associations, FEDS Protection offers federal employee PLI policies with $1 million, $2 million, or $3 million in civil liability protection for attorney’s fees and indemnity costs in the event you are sued in your civil capacity. The FEDS policy also includes $200,000 of legal representation coverage per incident for administrative actions and $100,000 of coverage for criminal defense costs.
Annual premiums for FEDS Protection PLI start at $290. Additionally, federal managers, supervisors, and law enforcement officers are eligible for a reimbursement of up to 50% the cost of their PLI policy through their agency. To learn more about how a FEDS PLI policy can protect you and your career, explore our website or call (866) 955-FEDS, M-F 8:30am-6pm to speak directly to a representative.
*This
article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute
legal advice.
Are You Leaving Federal Service and Considering Government Contracting?
If yes, consider FEDS Protection for your government contracting insurance needs. At FEDS Protection, we also support Federal Contractors by providing insurance coverage specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of today's federal contractors, including Professional Liability, Defense Base Act Insurance, and Foreign Liability coverage. In our experience, many small businesses need assistance in navigating the insurance portion of a government RFP.
The federal government is our specific focus and area of expertise. If you are looking to review your current or upcoming insurance needs, including the unique insurance requirements of any contract involving civilian employees overseas (requiring DBA Insurance and Foreign Liability coverage) please contact us at 866-955-FEDS (3337) or dmoylan@fedsprotection.com.
Did You Know?
February was selected in 1976 to celebrate
Black History Month to coincide with the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and Frederick Douglas (February 14), an escaped slave that became an activist, author and instrumental leader in the abolitionist movement to end slavery.
The
Government Hall of Fame honors federal employees whose careers and character have demonstrated historic achievement to both the federal government and the American people. Since its inception, leaders such as Mary Frances Berry (2024), Gregory L. Robinson (2024) and Carla Hayden (2023) have been recognized for their exemplary service. We appreciate the hard-working civil servants across the country and around the world whose fortitude moves us all forward.
Testimonials
"As Executive Director of IDRA, I am committed to bringing all Department of the Interior employees the very best products in continuum with IDRA's mission. Because professional liability insurance coverage is so important to the financial well-being of our employees, I have carefully sought out and selected the FEDS product due, in part, to its commitment to serve federal employees and first-hand knowledge about the exposures facing Interior Department employees. We believe the FEDS professional liability program is superior to all others and have switched our endorsement from another company because of it. We have encouraged all our members to do the same, as we believe there is no better program or value out there."
- NaDine Wright (Executive Director)
Radio & Webinars
Contact us if you or your agency are interested in a webinar or brochures that provide federal employees best practices on how to protect themselves with a federal employee professional liability insurance policy like the one offered by FEDS Protection. FEDS Protection webinars are a valuable resource for learning more about the specific professional exposures for federal employees, PLI in general, and the FEDS Protection program. Check our library and upcoming events in the links below to access content that speak to your position in the federal government.