Beyond Salaries: Hidden Factors Shaping Recruitment and Retention in Public Service

In the realm of local government, the treatment of employees takes center stage. How communities treat the dedicated individuals working tirelessly to serve their communities sets a local government apart and propels it towards excellence. Municipalities that recognize the immeasurable value of treating their employees as revered partners gain a significant advantage in attracting and retaining top talent, fostering a vibrant work culture, and ultimately delivering exceptional services to the public.

The Best Way to Treat Local Government Employees

Renowned management consultant Peter Drucker once wisely stated, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” These words hold true when it comes to the treatment of local government employees. To truly honor these public servants, we must acknowledge their contributions, invest in their professional growth and development, and provide a supportive work environment that empowers them. By instilling a culture that deeply values the well-being of local government employees, municipalities initiate a virtuous cycle of enhanced productivity and civic pride.

Michelle Berger, a Senior Consultant and Executive Coach, emphasized the significance of treating local government employees with respect and dignity, while also providing opportunities for growth. She stated, “Local government employees form the backbone of our communities. By treating them as invaluable assets, respecting their contributions, and fostering their professional development, municipalities lay the foundation for thriving and resilient cities and counties.”

Central to the concept of treating local government employees with the respect they deserve is the principle of fairness. Fair treatment ensures equal opportunities, rewards merit, and creates an inclusive environment that promotes trust and collaboration. When employees perceive fairness in decision-making processes they are more likely to be fully engaged, motivated, and dedicated to serving the public. This includes items such as promotions, compensation, non-technical professional development and workload distribution. Michelle emphasized, “Fairness is not a mere perk but an essential aspect of effective governance. Local governments that prioritize fairness are not only able to attract and retain exceptional talent but also cultivate a high-performance work culture and enhance public trust in the institutions that serve them.”

Building Strong Interpersonal Relationships in Local Government

Effective local government relies on strong interpersonal relationships among employees. Organizational psychologist Adam Grant noted “When you’re dealing with an ambivalent relationship, you’re constantly on guard, grappling with questions of trust.” An effort must be made to develop the relationships in the organization beyond a bunch of task oriented individuals working on their own deliverables.

In local government, strong interpersonal relationships are the bedrock for effective collaboration, problem-solving, and delivering public value. When employees treat one another as partners, it cultivates a sense of unity and purpose in serving the community. When individuals trust one another as partners, they treat each other with respect, empathy, and collaboration. They create a work environment that fosters innovation, efficiency, and public service excellence. This is a positive culture that will attract others.

Start at the Top – Local Government Executives Are Employees Too

It is crucial to remember that local government executives are employees themselves. While many local government leaders embrace a servant leadership approach, there is a risk of executives neglecting their own well-being and personal growth in the pursuit of the greater good. To address this, it is essential to provide resources that support local government executives in their efforts to improve employee morale, recruitment, and retention. Leadership training, executive coaching, and leadership team development all play a vital role in enhancing the skills needed to better serve the employees entrusted to their care.

Many local government employees feel isolated at work. This applies to all levels, including the top levels of the organization. During the City Manager and County Administrator Think Tanks many indicate the biggest value beyond very specific problem solving, is to be connected with others in the group. Sharing about challenges with peers helps reduce the isolation they feel. While a City Manager or County Administrator may NEED to build connections outside of the organization because of the uniquely isolated role of a Chief Administrative Officer, what about department heads? If department heads feel isolated, how will they develop a group beyond that of rugged individualism?

Strong interpersonal relationships at the executive level is essential to building and maintaining a trusted team environment. There are third party tools to help assess where your organization is on this journey, such as the Leadership Team Scorecard. Your employees are very perceptive and they will see clearly disconnects within the leadership ranks. These manifest in things like avoidance of accountability and lack of commitment, particularly in helping one another across department. It is crucial to take care of those that you are entrusting to take care of others and to have that as the bedrock for the organizational culture.

Employee Testimonials are as Valuable as Customer Testimonials

Testimonials from employees hold the same weight and significance as those from customers. Just as positive customer reviews can attract new clients and build brand loyalty, testimonials from employees can have a profound impact on the recruitment and retention efforts of local governments. Employee testimonials serve as powerful endorsements that attract talented individuals to join the organization. Prospective employees are more likely to be influenced by firsthand accounts from current team members, as these testimonials provide valuable insights into the work culture, growth opportunities, and overall treatment of employees.

Moreover, testimonials from employees play a crucial role in retaining top talent. When current employees openly express their satisfaction and fulfillment in their roles, it boosts morale and reinforces a positive work environment. It demonstrates that the municipality values its employees and fosters an atmosphere where their voices are heard and their contributions are recognized.

To effectively leverage the power of employee testimonials, local governments should provide ample opportunities for employees to share their experiences. Internal platforms such as employee newsletters, intranets, and regular town hall style meetings can serve as channels for employees to provide feedback and share success stories. By celebrating achievements and encouraging open dialogue, municipalities not only gain insights into areas that may require improvement but also foster a culture of transparency and trust.

Leveraging Testimonials in Recruitment and Retention Efforts

Local governments should also incorporate employee testimonials into their recruitment efforts. These testimonials can be prominently featured on the municipality’s website, social media channels, and promotional materials aimed at potential candidates. By showcasing the authentic and positive experiences of current employees, municipalities can craft a compelling narrative that resonates with individuals who align with their values and work culture. It is imperative to ensure that employee testimonials are genuine and representative of the diverse experiences within the organization. By highlighting a range of perspectives and roles, local governments paint a comprehensive picture of what it truly means to work for the municipality. Authenticity and transparency are key to building trust among employees and prospective candidates alike.

The public reminder of why employees value working for the organization also helps with retention. We’ve all at one point likely said “the grass isn’t always greener…” referring to other organizations. The question is, “How green is our grass?” Perhaps if more employees were given an opportunity to publicly share what they value in the organization, or perhaps more importantly the positive impact they have made as part of the organization, it will serve as a strong reminder of why to stay.

Beyond Technical Training – Invest in Employee Growth and Morale

Investing in the professional growth and development of employees is crucial. Providing non-technical training programs, workshops, and opportunities for advancement builds on existing skills and talent. It also demonstrates a commitment to long-term success of employees. How much training and development do employees receive in your organization that is NOT technical training? When employees feel that their personal and professional growth is encouraged and supported, they become more engaged, motivated, and invested in their work. If you would like to hear my ideas for your organization, please Contact me.

Creating a supportive work environment is another critical element of treating employees as valued partners. This involves fostering a culture of open communication, where ideas are welcomed, and feedback is embraced. Local governments should establish mechanisms for employees to voice their concerns, suggestions, and aspirations, ensuring that their voices are heard and their perspectives are taken into account. Moreover, a supportive work environment means promoting work-life balance, offering flexibility when possible, and prioritizing the well-being of employees.
Local government executives, as employees themselves, play a pivotal role in setting the tone for how employees are treated. They must lead by example, embodying the values and principles they wish to instill throughout the organization. By demonstrating empathy, compassion, and a genuine interest in the well-being of their teams, executives can foster an environment where employees feel safe, valued, and motivated to excel.

A Call to Action

In the ever-evolving landscape of public service, the treatment of employees must take center stage. It is through their dedication, passion, and tireless efforts that local governments can truly make a difference in the lives of their constituents. I urge municipalities that have not already to embrace this paradigm shift — one that views employees as the heart and soul of their operations and treats them with the utmost care and respect. By recognizing their contributions, investing in their growth, cultivating a supportive work environment, and amplifying their voices through testimonials, municipalities can foster a culture of excellence, innovation, and unwavering dedication to public service. It is through this holistic approach that local governments will attract top talent, nurture a thriving workforce, and deliver exceptional services that truly uplift and benefit the communities they serve.

If you would like to talk about this, please contact us for a no obligation discussion about your current programs and needs.