As COVID-19 vaccination rates continue to climb across the U.S., the morale of state and local government employees is also on the rise. Positive morale regarding work among this segment of the workforce increased to 56% in May 2021, up from 41% in October 2020.
Despite improved job sentiment, nearly one-third (31%) of the state and local workforce indicate that working during the pandemic has made them consider changing jobs. Among those considering changing jobs, 25% say they would like to leave the government sector entirely.
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These findings are contained in a new research report, 2021 Updated Survey Results:
Public Sector Employee Views on Finances and Employment Outlook Due to COVID-19, from MissionSquare Research Institute (formerly the Center for State and Local Government Excellence at ICMA-RC). The results are based on a national survey fielded by Greenwald Research in May 2021 of 1,203 full-time state and local government employees. Where applicable, comparisons are made between this survey and two prior surveys.
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“This latest COVID impact survey has both encouraging and worrisome findings,” said Rivka Liss-Levinson, Ph.D., report author and Senior Research Manager at MissionSquare Research Institute. “While the widespread availability of vaccines is putting less pressure on the state and local workforce, the long-term workforce impacts of the pandemic could be problematic given that many workers are considering exiting their job or the public sector. The data suggest that the pandemic has only exacerbated the chronic challenge of recruiting and retaining employees who deliver essential public services.”
“Also troublesome is the financial impact of the pandemic on state and local workers. About one-third have taken on more debt, while 38% of those with an emergency savings have had to spend those resources just to make ends meet. This is a clear signal that public employers must pay close attention to employee salaries, retirement benefits, and financial wellness programs,” Liss-Levinson said.
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