Public Sector Trends

Study: Why workers join the public sector
The majority of government workers in a recent study said they went to work in the public sector because of a desire to serve a higher good by, for instance, giving back to their community. The study involved interviews with employees at state and local agencies in California, as well as interviews with graduate students and retired government workers. San Diego Union-Tribune (4/9)

Data show decline in N.J. workers earning double salaries
The number of government workers in New Jersey who hold more than one job decreased by 16% last year, but many workers with multiple jobs received raises, according to an analysis of government data. Some say that allowing government workers to hold multiple positions is inefficient, while others maintain that the practice actually helps municipalities save money. Asbury Park Press (Neptune-Asbury Park, N.J.) (4/13)

Other News

Policy Update

Which states and counties have the highest taxes?

Click on image to access interactive map.

Tax Day is here. With taxes a hot topic in Washington and around the dinner table in millions of American homes, this analysis features interactive maps that look at how states and counties stack up against one another when it comes to income and property taxes. There is also a map that shows the ZIP codes throughout the U.S. where residents are most likely to use tax software to prepare their returns. SmartBrief/SmartBlog on Finance (4/12)

N.Y. city council weighs credit-check ban in hiring
The New York City Council is considering a bill that would prohibit employers from using credit checks during the hiring process or in other employment decisions. Business owners and Mayor Michael Bloomberg have criticized the legislation. Councilors say checking job candidates' credit is discriminatory, but business leaders say the practice is meant to maintain the integrity of the workforce. New York Post (4/12)

Career Development

How to lead like it's the 1950s
The middle of the 20th century wasn't exactly a golden age of good management, but there are some elements of 1950s business culture worth resurrecting, writes John Coleman. Midcentury business leaders knew how to dress for success, how to take long, refreshing lunches and vacations, and how to stick to a schedule, Coleman explains. Harvard Business Review online/HBR Blog Network (4/11)

Why you need to nurture your soft skills
Soft skills, such as the ability to resolve conflict and accept criticism, are highly sought by employers, says Peggy Klaus, author of "The Hard Truth About Soft Skills." "[Y]our ability to get along with others, sell your ideas, manage your time, bring a project in under budget and create an enjoyable workplace environment is now as important -- if not more so -- than your technical expertise," she said. The Fast Track (4/12)

SmartQuote

It has ever been my experience that folks who have no vices have very few virtues." -- Abraham Lincoln, 16th U.S. president Share: