Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW) offers a meaningful opportunity to honor the unwavering contributions of federal employees and public servants — past, present, and future. This year, amidst ongoing changes and profound transformation in the federal workplace, we recognize their exceptional resilience and steadfast dedication to service.
Recent findings from a Work for America survey of over 6,000 federal workers emphasize this impressive and unwavering commitment.
Despite concerns around job security and agency restructuring plans, most participants remain devoted to public service. For example, 76% are more likely to pursue roles in state or local government, and only 7% report decreased interest in continued service.
An even brighter spot?
Younger professionals stand out in their resolve, with 74% of those with less than three years of experience planning to stay in public service. Similarly, over half of federal workers with four to 10 years in the field intend to continue serving, and many are even willing to relocate to pursue meaningful opportunities, reflecting their determination to adapt and thrive.
These insights highlight the loyalty and purpose that define public servants. As we celebrate PSRW, let’s not only honor their contributions but also equip them with the tools, resources, and strategies to chart a thriving path forward.
So, in the spirit of service to those who serve, here are some key areas to prioritize as we navigate the evolving work environment together:
Stay Connected and Engaged
In today’s ever-changing work environment, staying connected can be challenging. Try to make a consistent effort to engage with your team regularly and find purposeful and deliberate ways during work time to build and strengthen relationships and connections. Use team-building activities, team learning opportunities, social and FUN engagements to alleviate stress, leverage collaboration, share ideas and resources, and to facilitate open discussions to maintain a sense of camaraderie. Active participation in strengthening team bonds through fun and social engagements are things you can control, and these efforts can help you stay more integrated and connected, despite the uncertainty.
Seek Mentorship and Guidance
Navigating change is easier with guidance from those who have been there before. Seek out mentors within your organization who can provide advice, support, and perspective — even from the peer levels. Their experiences can offer valuable lessons and help you navigate challenges, opportunities and change more effectively.
Reflect and Reassess
Take time to reflect on your career goals, priorities, values, and aspirations. Are they aligned with the current direction of your workplace — at least in this current moment? If not, reassess all your available options and try to adjust your plans — within what you can control. Setting clear, achievable goals can provide a sense of direction and purpose, helping you move forward with confidence — no matter how big and small.
Prioritize Well-being
Change is often stressful, and too much too fast can really take a toll. That’s why it’s crucial to prioritize your mental and physical well-being — most especially if you are leading others. By role modeling good self-care and worker well-being for yourself, you give other people permission to do the same. Make time for self-care, even during the duty day, whether it’s through a brief break for fresh air or a walk or simply taking a quick break between meetings to recharge. Connecting with your colleagues regularly also helps build a support network. Sharing experiences and challenges over lunch or coffee or a snack can provide valuable insights and foster a sense of community.
How to Live Out the Spirit of Public Service Recognition Week
While changes in the government workplace seems to be the one thing we can continue to expect, feeling stuck doesn’t have to be.
By prioritizing well-being, staying connected, seeking mentorship or connection with others across your community, and reflecting on your personal values and goals, you can navigate the evolving workplace — and the personal and professional decisions that go along with that — with resilience and optimism.
As we celebrate Public Service Recognition Week, let’s honor the dedication and hard work of all public servants while recognizing the significant challenges and opportunities ahead, and those they currently face. It’s crucial to take actionable steps that help people get “unstuck.”
If you are currently serving, stay up to date with changing policies, new Executive Orders, employment incentives, and offers that affect your career decisions. For those of us who formerly served or who support those who do, offering mentorship, sharing supportive resources, providing opportunities to build community, advocating for recognition and appreciation of those who serve, and pushing for resources to help public servants can make a significant difference.
By staying engaged and supportive, you can contribute to a positive and resilient public service community and demonstrate the spirit of #PSRW at its heart — regardless of where you serve from.
For more tips and tools, check out our Management Minutes with Mika video and blog segments or visit: www.mikacross.com.
Mika J. Cross is a Government Workplace Expert and Workforce Transformation Strategist.
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