It is now the turn of our European External Action Service (EEAS) local agent colleagues to have their annual evaluation. We’re here for you! See the recommendations in our presentation (from slide 8 onwards) for how to write your evaluation text and our article on the corresponding dialogue to get an idea of what to highlight and how. As usual, we offer one-on-one sessions to help colleagues by reviewing their self-assessments. Continue reading Launch of the evaluation process for EEAS local agents
Working conditions
Core time in Luxembourg: mixed messages
*Update 14.09.2022: OP and ESTAT requested and received exceptions (‘derogations’) similar to those they had previously.*
So, we’re back to work again for an obligatory one day a week [1]: this is all very similar to the last time this happened, in September 2021. The core time for DGT, Eurostat, CNECT, DIGIT, EAC, MOVE/ENER, ESTAT, OIL, OP, PMO and DG SANTE in Luxembourg remains as it was, at least for the moment: no changes there … so far. The issue is that the soon-to-be-implemented Working time and hybrid working decision (WTHW) [2] setting out the proposed ‘new normal’ is a ‘one size fits all’ plan. Continue reading Core time in Luxembourg: mixed messages
‘Unsatisfactory’ in the CDR? What now?
*Update 15.01.2024, the option to reuse the text from last evaluation means that the chat still takes place, but that there is no new written input possible from you or your line manager.*
Original article: You’ve done your best and it’s been a tough year. You’ve had your appraisal dialogue and prepared as best you could. In spite of it all, the evaluation is ‘Unsatisfactory’. What happens now? Firstly, don’t panic! Read everything you can (see list below) and act quickly: the career development review (CDR) can be refused (appealed) [1] but the deadlines are short and if nothing is done, the CDR is by default accepted. Continue reading ‘Unsatisfactory’ in the CDR? What now?
Project 55+ transition towards retirement 2022
Want to start imagining and planning your transition towards retirement – but not sure how to do it? This is no longer a destination, but a journey.
Project 55+ is a practical 5-week community experience that will help you create, discover, refine and implement your transition project, during your final years at the Commission/EU Institutions, towards a successful new beginning that is uniquely yours. Continue reading Project 55+ transition towards retirement 2022
New decision on working time and hybrid working: only Generation 2004 said no!
If you wonder what happened with the new Decision on Working Time and Hybrid working (WTHW) [1], here is the reply: all trade unions and staff associations (OSPs) except Generation 2004 accepted what is in the current draft and did not agree to continue the negotiations with the administration!
Generation 2004 was the only one among all OSPs to request Commissioner Hahn open a conciliation phase, the last possible option OSPs have in any negotiation with the administration [2]. This is a formal request to continue negotiations: there are too many points of disagreement still. Continue reading New decision on working time and hybrid working: only Generation 2004 said no!
Teleworking abroad in 2022? Here is the easy solution!
*update 19.02.2022: unfortunately the 14th edition of the teleworking guidelines (valid from 21.02.2022) have not applied the simple solutions Generation 2004 suggested below.*
We have listened to all of you who contacted us to enquire about teleworking from abroad/outside the place of employment (TWA) for this year. Many would like to have at least the same arrangements as last year so that they can request their 10 days of TWA now, while planning for the school holidays of Carnival and Easter. If not, it would be good to at least know exactly what the rules are: you are planning the year ahead: you need certainty! Continue reading Teleworking abroad in 2022? Here is the easy solution!
Flexibility days 2022 now available to request
For those of you keen to plan the year ahead and organising things to look forward to, note that the 2022 flexibility days are now listed on MyIntracomm and available to request in sysper. These are the three public holidays every year where you can choose to work and have the days back as annual leave [1]. Perhaps this is not an option for you at the moment, but it’s good to know that this possibility exists. Continue reading Flexibility days 2022 now available to request
Would you like to undertake other activities outside your current job in the Commission?
*Update 27.0302025: Under certain circumstanaces you can work elsewhere while in receipt of an invalidity allowance: ‘Persons in receipt of an invalidity allowance may not engage in gainful employment without the prior authorisation of the Appointing Authority. Any income from such gainful employment which, in combination with the invalidity allowance, exceeds the final Continue reading Would you like to undertake other activities outside your current job in the Commission?
It’s only for 2 days a week! hot-desking and buildings
How much does the move to hot-desking (‘dynamic’) and open-plan Offices matter with the move to hybrid working? It will only be 40% presence in any given week, you can tolerate 2 days, right? And we’re not going back to the office just yet, so it’s not a worry for the moment! Regardless, the move to hot-desking and open-plan offices for thousands of staff continues apace during a pandemic that is showing no sign of slowing. Have you considered what that entails? Continue reading It’s only for 2 days a week! hot-desking and buildings
The hidden costs of teleworking – and now energy prices!
*Update 09.10.2023 please participate in the Commission survey on the environmental impact of teleworking: deadline 11.10.2023. These emmissions must also be counted in greening the Commission!**Update November 2022, we have republished this survey in order to make a comparison, please participate!* *Update March 2022: 1193 colleagues responded to our additional teleworking costs survey: only 2.85% saw no utility-bill increase. With 27% of respondents seeing their monthly bills increase by a total of 51-100 EUR.* Continue reading The hidden costs of teleworking – and now energy prices!
