Despite Progress Made Onboarding New Employees, Many Did Not Timely Receive Equipment and Performance Expectations

Report Information

Summary

TIGTA evaluated the IRS’s efforts to deliver more effective employee onboarding programs. The review was part of TIGTA’s Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Audit Plan and addressed the major management and performance challenge of managing a reduced workforce.

TIGTA found that the IRS made progress improving onboarding, including a more comprehensive new employee orientation program. However, many employees still did not receive required equipment or critical job elements within required time frames.

• 40 percent of sampled Fiscal Year 2024 hires received their laptop more than five workdays after their start date. TIGTA estimated that 7,505 employees hired in Fiscal Year 2024 received their laptop late.
• 44 percent of sampled Fiscal Year 2024 hires did not receive their critical job elements within 30 calendar days of their start date. TIGTA estimated that 8,253 employees hired in Fiscal Year 2024 did not receive them on time.
• TIGTA also found weaknesses in the Quarterly Touchpoint Program, with many managers not completing required onboarding discussions with new employees during their first year.

TIGTA concluded that these delays can disrupt onboarding, reduce employee productivity, and limit employees’ ability to perform job duties, complete training, and understand performance expectations.