 |
by Shaw, Bransford & Roth, P.C.
February 2, 2010
As we celebrate Black History Month this February, it's important to note how the young government leaders of today are more diverse than ever. This diversity also extends beyond traditional racial categories, across the spectrum of factors affecting the workforce: gender, race/ethnicity, lifestyle, generational, federal hire vs. contractor, etc. According to the Office of Personnel Management's 2008 annual Federal Equal Opportunity Employment Program report, the Federal Government employs minorities at a higher rate than in the Civilian Labor Force (CLF). Minorities make up 33.4 percent of the 1,756,733 permanent federal workers. Additionally, the representation of minorities and women at senior pay levels continues its incremental upward trend, now at 17 percent. Blacks represented 17.9 percent of government workers versus 10 percent of the CLF.
Magnifying these trends is the fact that the younger X, Y, and Millennial generations are much more diverse than the senior ranks of government managers. In a broader example, according to Census Bureau 2010 population estimates, almost 80 percent of the U.S. population aged 70 to 74 is white alone, not Hispanic, while of the group aged 20 to 24, it is only 60 percent.
As the federal workforce continues to evolve in the face of the much talked about impending retirement wave, a more diverse generation of leaders will be tackling the challenges to come. These leaders are changing the way government business is conducted. Often bringing a more private-sector style of work to the table, these new fresh feds are pushing the government to get more relevant and responsive. For example, this fresh crop of leaders is encouraging the use of new social media outlets like Facebook and Twitter to connect with customers and stakeholders.
Young government leaders are also pushing for newer ways to efficiently get the job done. Programs like telework, flexible scheduling, etc., are common sense solutions for a dynamic workforce. The flexibility to offer these programs is also a great incentive to retain younger workers.
In addition to ongoing workforce development programs and events, Young Government Leaders chapters across the U.S. will spotlight diversity themes throughout Black History month. This is the perfect time to join a YGL chapter and explore all the personal and professional development opportunities available. Join Now!
YGL is a grassroots organization founded in 2003 by a group of young people interested in meeting other energized Federal government employees. Today, YGL has more than 1,800 supporters in the Washington Metropolitan Area, with local chapters in cities across the United States. As the only 501(c)(3) not for profit professional organization founded and led by young federal personnel, YGL's mission is to educate, inspire, and transform the next generation of government leaders, offering professional development, networking, and leadership opportunities for its members. For more information about YGL, go to its website by clicking on www.younggovernmentleaders.org.
« back to previous page
|
|
