CHAIRMAN CONNOLLY'S OPENING STATMENT

PURPOSE

The hearing will examine the need for federal agencies to identify current and future skills gaps and establish strategic plans to fill those gaps, opportunities to attract a young, skilled workforce, and methods to engage federal employees at the beginning of their careers.

BACKGROUND

• According to data compiled by the Office of Personnel Management, the average age of federal employees has steadily increased over the past two decades, with the average age being 47.5 in 2017.  In 2017, 69% of the federal workforce was 40 years and older, compared to 54% of the total civilian labor force in the United States.  At the end of 2018, only 6% of the federal workforce was under the age of 30, while 24% of the civilian U.S. labor force was under 30.
• The Government Accountability Office found that “agencies face a potential risk related to retirement, particularly among the Senior Executive Service (SES). ... If turnover is not strategically managed and succession plans are not in place, gaps can develop in an agency’s institutional knowledge and leadership as experienced employees retire.”
• In a 2019 poll, the U.S. Government’s “reputation” ranked last in comparison to 100 other top companies.  This is at least partially due to a lack of flexibilities and benefits available in the private sector such as Paid Family Leave.  As of March 2019, 18% of private-industry workers reported some access to Paid Family Leave through their employer.  Currently, the government does not offer Paid Family Leave to its employees.