In the world in general and the U.S. Federal Government in Particular, the retirement of those culture-clashing, Jerry Garcia revering, 1960s nostalgia having Baby Boomers poses a problem as does the hiring and retaining of those flip-flop wearing, iPhone using, Lady Gaga humming Generation Y-ers. For example, forty-six percent of employees at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Department of Transportation (DOT) will be eligible to retire within five years according to the Government Accountability Office (GAO).
The news is not all bad however, according to Gallup thirty-five percent of Americans would prefer a government job to the private sector in 2010. As I and my colleagues have been interviewing a variety of human resources leaders in federal agencies they agree that there is a new found interest amongst Generation Y workers in careers in government.“The kids are dying to get in here,” says one HR leader.
Some in the media have speculated that this is a result of the Obama Presidency and his connection with the nation’s youth (i.e. the kids just want to serve their fellow Americans) while others have suggested that it is a product of the economic strife and uncertainty (i.e. the kids just want to pay the rent). The truth is likely somewhere in between. Our interviewees have said that the younger generation of federal employees tend to break down 50-50 between the idealistic public servants and those who are in it for a steady paycheck and benefits.
One head of recruitment wanted to break it down further. “We see the new Gen-Y hires breaking down into thirds; Idealistic Public Servants, Those with Rent to Pay and Those who Want a Career.” He went on to say that the third group is different than the other two in that they are not just waiting till the private sector heats up again but are also not under the impression that they are saving the country either. However, whatever reason there is behind the increased interest in federal employment, agencies ought to know two things:
the interest will not last forever so do not plan on it (i.e. the economy will improve and the private sector will begin recruiting accordingly).
take advantage of this current trend by attracting and retaining as many high quality employees as possible.
“So what is HCI doing to help me execute against these goals?” you ask. My answer is twofold:
- Check out our Government Talent Management Conference (Sept. 20-22, 2010 in Reston, VA)
- Complete our Government Talent Management Survey; the results of which will be presented at the conference and, by completing it and leaving a valid e-mail address you will receive a copy of the report which will be stocked to the gills with insight from your peers, benchmarking data and next practices.