Letter to the Hon. Dale Cabaniss - Recruiting New Federal Workers

Letter

Dear Director Cabaniss:

I write regarding the urgent need to recruit and retain new workers into federal service. With the aging of the federal workforce, it is more important than ever that the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) direct resources and efforts to recruiting new workers into public service.

As you know, the average age of federal employees has steadily increased over the course of the last two decades, hitting 47.5 years in 2017. In the private sector, 54% of workers are over 40 years old, while in the federal workforce, that number is 69%. At the end of last year, only 6% of the federal workforce were under 30, while almost a quarter of private-sector employees were under 30.

There are numerous consequences to an aging federal workforce. For example, as older federal employees opt to retire, the government risks permanently losing much of its institutional knowledge if federal agencies cannot find adequate replacements.

Possible solutions to the problem of a graying workforce include increased federal recruitment at college and university campuses, increased technological innovation in how applications are submitted, and a greater number of internships. Improved benefits, including paid family leave, increased telework, and short-term disability insurance allowing coverage for non-work-related injury or illness or pregnancy, can also likely increase recruitment and retention of employees by the federal government.

I will be introducing legislation to direct OPM to develop a recruitment plan. However, I believe that there are important steps OPM can and should be taking immediately, even before enactment of my bill.

I appreciate your attention to this matter and request that you respond to this letter, in writing, within 30 days.

Sincerely,

Eleanor Holmes Norton

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