Not Bad for Government Work: Based on the most recent Federal Human Capital
Survey, it appears that government employees generally are satisfied with their
jobs and bosses. However, they crave more development opportunities, and nearly
one-third doubt the ability of their departments to find capably skilled people
in the job market.
The performance scores for federal supervisors have been moving upward in
recent years, with 66 percent of employees awarding high marks to their
immediate supervisors. About 13 percent took an unfavorable view, with the
remaining 21 percent offering a rating of neutral.
Yet potential leaders apparently feel slighted. Federal supervisors earn
respectable marks for giving potential leaders a chance to grow. Although 60
percent of employees give high marks, 17 percent disagree. And another 21.5
percent have no opinion—perhaps indicative of disinterested albeit untapped
would-be leaders. In fact, performance discussions are spotty. Only about half
the employees say their training needs are routinely assessed.
Three-fourths believe they and their co-workers possess “job-relevant
knowledge and skills” for carrying out assigned tasks. Recruitment is certain to
engender discussion, though. Despite the fact that six in 10 government workers
could retire within the decade, only 44 percent of employees are “positive”
their work units can find people with the required skills. Doubt, uncertainty or
pessimism characterizes the remaining 56 percent.
Also, the Segal Co. warns of a developing “staffing crisis” in state and
local governments as well. Its recent survey found that public-sector employees
under 40 “tend to focus on their government career” and are more likely to seek
jobs elsewhere during the next year compared with workers 40 and older.
Dissatisfaction with career opportunities is cited as the chief culprit.
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