HR Chiefs Find Lots to Worry About

The federal government continues to struggle with a number of dysfunctional policies and practices that hamper its ability to recruit and retain a high-quality workforce, according to a new report by the Partnership for Public Service and Grant Thornton.

The report, which is based on interviews with 68 federal chief human capital officers, found HR leaders still struggle with the federal government's lengthy hiring process, even despite the Obama administration's plans to speed the process and make it more applicant-friendly. Many CHCOs noted concern that their HR staffs would not have the skills necessary to successfully carry out the reforms.

CHCOs also noted many of the government's 25,000 HR employees lack the skills to help their agencies improve HR operations and workforce management, a challenge that could become more critical as government faces new demands, including hiring reforms.

CHCOs also identified five other obstacles to recruiting and retaining a top-notch workforce: pay, classification and performance management systems; a sometimes tense relationship with the Office of Personnel Management; the leadership capabilities of federal managers; substandard HR information technology systems; and labor relations.

Among their recommendations, CHCOs suggested that the new hiring reforms focus on end results, give agencies considerable flexibility and focus more on improving the process rather than simply speeding it up. They also recommended improving the capabilities and competencies of federal managers and HR staffs, and noted support for greater collaboration and sharing within the federal government and among other stakeholders on HR issues.