WASHINGTON -- Local and state governments continue to hire although their workforces are still smaller since the Great Recession. Recruitment and retention continue to be challenges, and pressure on benefits continues, particularly health care.
Nearly two-thirds, 66%, of respondents to the "State and Local Government Workforce: 2014 Trends" survey reported hiring employees in the past year, with 55% hiring more than they did in 2012. One-third reported hiring contract or temporary workers. The report is an annual survey conducted by the Center for State and Local Government Excellence, the International Public Management Association for Human Resources and National Association of State Personnel Executives of human resource professionals.
At the same time, the pace of retirements quickened: 49% reported higher levels of retirement in 2013 than 2012 and 22% reported employees had accelerated their retirement.
Changes to benefits continue:
As they look ahead, the majority of respondents say their top concerns are recruiting and retaining qualified personnel, staff development, succession planning, employee morale, competitive compensation packages, public perception of government workers, reducing employee health care costs and dealing with increased employee workloads.
"Although more local and state governments are able to hire again, it is difficult to find people with the right skill sets for the jobs," noted Elizabeth Kellar, president and CEO, Center for State and Local Government Excellence. "Retaining and developing staff is a high priority, especially with the pace of retirements."
"The survey results confirm that the economy is improving, although most government workforces are still smaller than they were in 2008," added Neil Reichenberg, executive director, IPMA-HR. "The environment remains challenging for state and local governments due to a continued focus on reducing costs through changes to benefits and an increase in retirements as baby boomers leave the workforce. Not surprisingly, workforce and succession planning is seen as an important issue and this is likely to be the case for the foreseeable future."
The Center for State and Local Government Excellence describes itself as an entity that helps state and local governments become more knowledgeable and competitive employers so they can attract and retain a talented and committed workforce.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
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