22 U.S.C. § 2736e — Voluntary participation

Page 1180 TITLE 22—FOREIGN RELATIONS AND INTERCOURSE § 2736d Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries DEFINITIONS For definitions of ‘‘Secretary’’ and ‘‘Department’’ as used in this section, see section 5002 of Pub. L. 117–81, set out as a note under section 263c of this title. § 2736d. Payne fellowship authorization (a) In general Undergraduate and graduate components of the Donald M. Payne International Development Fellowship Program may conduct outreach to attract outstanding students with an interest in pursuing a Foreign Service career who represent diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. (b) Review of past programs The Secretary shall review past programs de- signed to increase minority representation in international affairs positions. (Pub. L. 117–81, div. E, title LIV, § 5407, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 2374.) Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries DEFINITION For definition of ‘‘Secretary’’ as used in this section, see section 5002 of Pub. L. 117–81, set out as a note under section 263c of this title. § 2736e. Voluntary participation (a) In general Nothing in this title should be construed so as to compel any employee to participate in the collection of the data or divulge any personal in- formation. Department employees shall be in- formed that their participation in the data col- lection contemplated by this title is voluntary. (b) Privacy protection Any data collected under this title shall be subject to the relevant privacy protection stat- utes and regulations applicable to Federal em- ployees. (Pub. L. 117–81, div. E, title LIV, § 5408, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 2375.) Editorial Notes REFERENCES IN TEXT This title, referred to in text, is title LIV (§§ 5401–5408) of div. E of Pub. L. 117–81, which enacted this section and sections 2736 to 2736d of this title, amended section 3941 of this title, and enacted provisions set out as a note under section 2736 of this title. For complete clas- sification of title LIV to the Code, see Tables. Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries DEFINITION For definition of ‘‘Department’’ as used in this sec- tion, see section 5002 of Pub. L. 117–81, set out as a note under section 263c of this title. § 2736f. Efforts to improve retention and prevent retaliation (a) Streamlined reporting Not later than one year after December 22, 2023, the Secretary shall establish a single point of initial reporting for allegations of discrimina- tion, and harassment that provides an initial re- view of the allegations and, if necessary, the ability to file multiple claims based on a single complaint. (b) Required annual surveys (1) In general Not later than 180 days after December 22, 2023, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall conduct an annual employee satisfaction survey to assess the level of job satisfaction, work environment, and overall employee expe- rience within the Department. (2) Open-ended responses The survey required under paragraph (1) shall include options for open-ended responses. (3) Survey questions The survey shall include questions regard- ing— (A) work-life balance; (B) compensation and benefits; (C) career development opportunities; (D) the performance evaluation and pro- motion process, including fairness and trans- parency; (E) communication channels and effective- ness; (F) leadership and management; (G) organizational culture; (H) awareness and effectiveness of com- plaint measures; (I) accessibility and accommodations; (J) availability of transportation to and from a work station; (K) information technology infrastructure functionality and accessibility; (L) the employee’s understanding of the Department’s structure, mission, and goals; (M) alignment and relevance of work to the Department’s mission; (N) sense of empowerment to affect posi- tive change; and (O) experiences with harassment, discrimi- nation, retaliation, and other events that contribute to attrition and negatively im- pact work culture and productivity. (c) Required exit surveys (1) In general Not later than 180 days after December 22, 2023, the Secretary shall develop and imple- ment a standardized, confidential exit survey process that includes anonymous feedback and exit interviews with employees who volun- tarily separate from the Department, whether through resignation, retirement, or other means. (2) Scope The exit surveys conducted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall— (A) be designed to gather insights and feedback from departing employees regard- ing— (i) their reasons for leaving, including caretaking responsibilities, career limita- tions for partner or spouse, and discrimi- nation, harassment, or retaliation; (ii) their overall experience with the De- partment; and (iii) any suggestions for improvement; and