Workforce Institute

The UKG Workforce Institute 2024 Industry Insights Report | Public Sector Edition

What’s Trending in Public Sector Work? To ensure public sector agencies and institutions continue to thrive and effectively serve the needs of the nation, these organizations must overcome a critical challenge – attracting and retaining a resilient and dynamic workforce.  

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The public sector is a critical pillar of the U.S. economy

The public sector, a cornerstone of the U.S. economy, encompasses a broad spectrum of services that are essential to daily life. To serve communities, meet rising public expectations, and regain trust, public institutions need talented people.  These organizations and institutions must deploy more effective strategies for attracting, developing, engaging, and retaining talent. 

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Helping people find purpose in public sector work

By emphasizing community impact, public sector organizations can focus attention on their greatest competitive advantage in hiring.

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Shredding the “paper ceiling”

Implementing skills-based hiring and career advancement makes public sector jobs accessible to a wider range of candidates.

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Understanding younger employees’ expectations

To compete for emerging talent, harness Gen Z’s preference for job security and financial wellness.

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Nurturing individual moments that matter

Daily interactions shape how employees feel and whether they will stick around.

Creating a flexible, people-centric work environment—supported by best-in-class human capital and workforce management solutions—can optimize the public sector's employee experience and lead to better service outcomes.

This report, which includes workplace perspectives from Great Place To Work ™, synthesizes current field research to highlight the key trends that matter most to the success of the public sector. Our analysis finds that agencies who successfully invest in their workforce and next-generation talent will adapt to meet the changing needs of the nation.