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Employee Relations

Welcome to the Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM) web page which is devoted to providing information on the Employee Relations teams for the USDA Staff Offices and Mission Area communities.

The Employee Relations Branch is part of the Labor and Employee Relations Division.  Our Employee Relations (ER) Specialists handle employee relations issues effectively and expediently to improve workplace productivity and morale. Technical advice and assistance are available on all matters pertaining to employee conduct, performance, and other work-related concerns. The team serves as a center of ER expertise and is responsible for case management of a myriad of workplace issues. Our ER Specialists are available to conduct training sessions on a variety of topics, including but not limited to, Conduct and Performance-related issues, Leave and Attendance Management, Reasonable Accommodations, Drug Testing, Preventing Violence in the Workplace, Misconduct Investigations and Equal Opportunity Accountability issues.

Useful Links

EAP Events and Updates

Mental Health Awareness Month 2023

National Suicide Prevention Hotline Update

  • The FCC issued a news release which provided an update that the 10-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline was transitioning to an easier to remember 3-digit number on July 16, 2022.
  • The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now accessible via phone call and text message using the number 9-8-8 and callers to the 1-800-273-TALK (8255) will continue to work but will be routed to 988 indefinitely.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and Suicide Prevention

Aftermath of a Traumatic Event

OPM Holiday Resource:

Mental Health Awareness Month 2022

  • OPM Director's Mental Health Awareness Month Video
    • Reminds:
      • Mental Health benefits are available to every Federal employee.
      • Support of Federal employees and their families' wellbeing at the workplace and at home.
      • EAPs provide short term behavioral health services at the workplace and referrals for ongoing care.
      • All FEHB plans provide comprehensive outpatient and inpatient mental health benefits, including counseling and treatment for substance use and mental health services accessible remotely via telehealth at reduced co-payment levels.
    • Addresses widespread misconception that seeking or having sought mental health treatment or counseling can disqualify you from federal work or passing a background check, which is untrue and dangerous. Our physical and mental health are equally important, and nothing matters more than your health and wellbeing.
  • OPM's Mind Your Mental Health Flyer - May 2022 (PDF, 353 KB)