MissionSquare Research Institute Study Details Views of Younger Public Service Employees by Occupation
March 28 2024 - 10:00AM
A new research brief from MissionSquare Research Institute compares
the sentiment of younger public service employees by occupation,
including those who work in education, health care, public safety,
and other professions. The research details attitudes of public
employees aged 35 and under about their views on their finances,
employer benefits, morale, job satisfaction, and long-term career
plans.
The detailed insights are presented in the research brief,
"35 and Under in the Public Sector: Comparisons by
Industry." Read the brief.
Select findings of the research are as follows:
- Only 26% of younger
K-12 education workers feel a sense of financially security, while
nearly half (49%) of public safety workers indicate they are
financially secure.
- With respect to
stress, 21% of the respondents in public works, utilities, and
transportation have felt very stressed during the past six months.
The highest level of stress is among those working in K – 12
education, with 42% feeling very stressed.
- 58% of public safety
employees indicated an interest in remaining in the public sector
until they retire. Those with public works, utilities, and
transportation jobs were least likely (32%) to spend their career
in public service.
Gerald Young, MissionSquare Research Institute Senior Research
Analyst said, “This new issue brief provides state and local
government leaders with detailed insights on the views of younger
workers by various professions. The research clearly shows
Millennials and GenZ education workers report the highest levels of
stress and financial concern, while higher salaries was the top
priority across all professions when employees are considering a
job change. We hope government leaders can leverage this data,
along with our related analyses by gender, race, and ethnicity, to
increase their understanding of what motivates younger job
prospects and tailor their recruitment and retention efforts to
best meet those interests.”
This research, which is based on a nationally representative
online survey of 1,004 state and local government employees aged 35
and under, was conducted by Greenwald Research. It explores
motivations for working in the public sector, attitudes about
finances, views on employer benefits, retirement thoughts, morale,
job satisfaction, and retention issues. The research follows a
recent report exploring the views of younger public service
workers, "35 and Under in the Public Sector: Why Younger Workers
Enter and Why They Stay (or Don't)." Read the research.
About MissionSquare Research InstituteMissionSquare
Research Institute promotes excellence in state and local
government and other public service organizations to attract and
retain talented employees. The organization identifies leading
practices and conducts research on retirement plans, health and
wellness benefits, workforce demographics and skill set needs,
labor force development, and topics facing the not-for-profit
industry and education sector. MissionSquare Research Institute
brings together leaders and respected researchers. More information
and access to research and publications are available here.
About MissionSquare Retirement
Since our founding in 1972, MissionSquare Retirement has been
dedicated to simplifying the path to retirement security for public
service employees. As a mission-based, nonstock, nonprofit
financial services company, we manage and administer over $76.5
billion in assets.* Our commitment to delivering results-oriented
retirement plans, education, investments, and personalized advice
sets us apart. Explore how we enable public service workers to
build a secure financial future. For more information,
visit www.missionsq.org or follow the company on Facebook,
LinkedIn, and X.
*As of February 29, 2024. Includes 457, 401, 403(b), Retirement
Health Savings (RHS) plans, Employer Investment Program (EIP)
plans, affiliated IRAs, and investment-only assets.
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Kelly Kenneally
MissionSquare Research Institute
(202) 256-1445
media@missionsq.org