All the economic indicators are trending up. Markets are up, exports and even imports are increasing. Things are looking good--except for jobs in general.
Governments don't manufacture anything because they are service oriented organizations.
Cities when polled shared the following items (*) as how they have been dealing with the recession:
- Increasing fees, seeking grants and other new funds
- Reducing services
- Consolidating IT
- Consolidating departments
- Cross-agency & Cross-jurisdiction service delivery
- More reliance on third parties
- Cutting staff and office hours
*Data from a Digital Cities Survey
Reference the last item on the list, it was noted last night on the national news that productivity is up. The question was then raised about when hiring will resume. One of my favorite quotes is, "We are getting so good at doing more with less that eventually we will be able to do everything with nothing." Our productivity will be that good!
As I speak today with emergency managers in state and local jurisdictions they are still feeling the brunt of the recession. While people may be retiring, their ability to back-fill those positions may be limited. They could lose the position all together, or still being caught in a hiring freeze. Personally I don't expect to see any expansion in hiring by governments in 2010 and for states 2011 is still looking bleak. Government is one of the last organizations to recover following a recession.
But, here is a thought for those of you who might have a position coming open, or some grant funds not fully expended. Instead of hiring a senior and very experienced staff person, dip down and hire one of the new college graduates that are out there looking for work. You can bring them on board at a much reduced cost to the organization and you give them some great experience. I think doing so is a great solution in uncertain times. These grads would also be great for a limited duration part time or project position.
Let's hope the Homeland Security Grants don't tank in 2011, or everyone will be in a world of hurt.
