The highest level of favorable views was among those age 65 and older. Image: Orhan Cam/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffWhile the public opinions of federal employees not surprisingly vary by political party, they also vary by age, the Partnership for Public Service has said, noting that younger people have less favorable views and the federal government should “pay closer attention” to them.
PPS cited surveys it conducted in 2021 and 2022 showing an overall higher view of federal workers than the government as a whole.
Around 75 percent of Democrats say they have a favorable opinion of civil servants, versus 11 percent negative. However, just 60 percent of respondents identifying as Republican held favorable views, and 25 percent holding negative views.
However, those same surveys “showed that age has more of an influence on views of public servants.” The highest level of favorable views was among those age 65 and older, 72 percent, while the levels among those 35-49 and 50-64 were somewhat lower, at 66 and 66 percent.
PPS highlighted the 18 – 34 age demographic as problematic for the federal government and a challenge for bringing in fresh talent and future workers. Among that group just 49 percent said they had a favorable view of civil servants, and some 22 percent had an unfavorable view.
The Partnership has frequently called attention to the low rates of federal employment by younger workers, with 7 percent under age 30 compared with 20 percent in the overall workforce. “This lack of young talent in government could partly be a result of the diminished trust in the institution among millennials and members of Generation Z,” it said.
“While the government’s perception problem spans generations and will persist if not addressed, negative views among younger people in particular will likely contribute to the government’s ongoing struggle to replenish its talent base with professionals in the early stages of their careers,” it said.
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