Myths versus Facts

In Reply Refer To: November 21, 2000
Mail Stop 601

MEMORANDUM


Supervisors, Managers, and Team Leaders:  Please ensure that employees 
without access to e-mail receive a copy of this message.


To:       All U.S. Geological Survey Employees

From:     Robert Hosenfeld       (signed)
          Personnel Officer

Subject:  Myths versus Facts

In the personnel arena, there are always "myths" concerning personnel 
policy.  This memorandum is part of our continuing 
effort to give both management and employees the "facts."   What follows 
are not new policies, but a reiteration of current 
policies that seem to be forgotten or misunderstood.  See if you know the 
"facts" versus the "myths."

Myth:   Employees can be forced to sign for annual leave or leave without 
pay when 
they are tardy, take an extended lunch period, or don't come to work at 
all.

Fact:   Annual leave and leave without pay are "approved leave" which 
employees 
must request.  If an employee is absent for whatever reason, and doesn't 
request leave, they should be placed in an absent without leave status, 
the only unapproved leave status.

Myth:   If I use Employee Express to change my health benefits, enroll in 
the thrift savings plan, change my 
home address, Federal or State tax withholding, or any other transaction 
performed by Employee Express, I still have to complete a paper 
transaction with the Personnel Office 
and there is no way of knowing if I make a mistake.

Fact:   Employee Express eliminates the need for employees to fill out 
paper forms, replacing them 
with user-friendly technology.  It also has the same procedural checks for 
accuracy as paper forms.  The best part about Employee Express is, unlike 
your Personnel Office, that you can access the system 24-hours 
a day, 7 days a week to make changes or review current information. 

Myth:   As long as I pay on time, I can use my government issued travel 
credit 
card to take my family to dinner, to buy clothes and gifts at the local 
department store, and even to purchase a new vehicle.
Fact:   Government issued travel credit cards cannot be used for anything 
other 
than official government travel.  Supervisors are advised to take 
disciplinary action for misuse of the credit card.

We hope you find this information both interesting and helpful.  In an 
effort to clear up confusing "facts," "Myths versus Facts" will be issued 
periodically.  If you have any questions about the information contained 
in this memorandum, contact your servicing personnel office.  To suggest 
topics you would like to have discussed in future "Myths versus Facts," 
please call Sue Miller on 703-648-7450 or by e-mail at smmiller@usgs.gov.