(Source: MIRS.news, Published 09/28/2023) Younger public service workers under age 35 reported positive job morale, but continue to experience financial stress, according to a recent report.
The report, from MissionSquare Research Institute, found that 64% held a positive morale, expressing satisfaction with their job security, community service and the quality of their colleagues and 70% believe their benefits compensation is competitive in the labor market.
However, only 53% think their wage compensation is competitive, and the report also underscores that 76% of the younger public service workers report feeling significantly or somewhat stressed in the past six months, with personal finances (61%) and work/career (58%) being the primary stressors.
"As state and local governments grapple with attracting and retaining the next generation of public service employees, this survey identifies areas where public employers excel and areas where improvement is needed,” said Rivka Liss-Levinson, MissionSquare Research Institute’s senior research manager.
“Leaders who can address the specific needs of workers under 35 will have a competitive advantage in workforce development and retention. The research reveals that younger workers are motivated by a desire to serve their communities and value inclusive workplaces,” she added. “However, these factors don't diminish the importance of higher pay, which remains a stress-inducing issue and a retention challenge."
Other key findings of the report, “35 and Under in the Public Sector: Why Younger Workers Enter and Why They Stay (or Don’t),” showed:
- Top priorities for respondents include workplaces that contribute to community improvement (67%), strong team dynamics (65%), intellectual engagement and alignment with personal values (both 64%).
- Factors that initially attracted respondents to their current public service jobs include job security (32%), work/life balance (29%), health insurance and job satisfaction (both 28%).
- The majority (70%) consider their debt level problematic, with 22% viewing it as a major problem and only 7% reporting no debt.
The report is based upon a nationally representative online survey of 1,004 state and local government employees aged 35 and under conducted by Greenwald Research in March and April.
