The government workforce is facing challenges in hiring and retaining young employees, but the telework transition due to COVID-19 offers an opportunity to reevaluate current workforce management practices. Modernizing hiring and management policies can attract new talent and improve long-term performance. The government has neglected to invest in and strengthen its human capital system, resulting in wasted taxpayer dollars and undermining public trust. The current workforce structure is unprepared for the changes in the dynamic professional landscape, leading to a leadership and hiring crisis. Government agencies spend a large portion of their budget on workforce management, with the Department of Defense spending 59% of its overall budget on personnel in 2016. The government workforce is also aging, with a large percentage of employees nearing retirement. The government should invest in modernizing its human capital system to attract and retain the necessary talent to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
