Suche
Mein Konto
Generation Z is conquering the public service: This is how things get exciting in BW!
Baden-Württemberg is promoting innovative ways into public service with Generation Z. Where opportunities for security and variety await.
Generation Z is conquering the public service: This is how things get exciting in BW!
Something is happening in the public service in Baden-Württemberg - and mainly thanks to Generation Z. On the occasion of International Public Service Day on June 23rd, a current article by tagesschau.de the new facial features of this age group and their demands on the world of work. 24-year-old Sarah Rettenmaier, an intern in the main and human resources office in Stuttgart, has a clear mission: She wants to use social networks to inspire young people to take advantage of attractive careers in the public service.
"The clichés about outdated official structures do not correspond to reality. Many of my colleagues are young and open-minded," explains Rettenmaier. This is no coincidence: a nationwide survey shows that one in four students would like to work in the public sector. The number of people under 25 in this industry has increased from around 170,000 in 2022 to around 360,000 in 2024. This is confirmed by the Baden-Württemberg State Statistical Office, which also recorded a slight increase in the number of employees in all age groups.
Security and digitalization in focus
Students enrolled at the University of Public Administration in Ludwigsburg are looking for a secure job. According to a study by EY, 42 percent of those surveyed consider job security to be the most important criterion when choosing an employer. Other aspects such as salary and work-life balance are also very important for the “generation crisis”, as Simon Rehmann describes it.
The challenges for the public service are great. By 2030, around 1.5 million state employees will retire due to age. This means that the space for the next generation is getting bigger and bigger. Jan-Reiner Hinz, author of the EY study, emphasizes that digitality and the desire to work for the general public and democratic institutions are essential for Generation Z.
Attractiveness of public services
Despite the positive trends, further analysis shows that the attractiveness of public service for so-called high potentials has declined. Only 16 percent currently want to imagine a future in this sector, compared to 23 percent two years ago. Female students in particular attach great importance to the balance of family and professional life, while men are often primarily interested in salary prospects.
Salary expectations in the public sector are modest, especially compared to other sectors. Students here expect a starting salary of 39,600 euros, which is better than at cultural institutions (33,000 euros), but is significantly lower than the salaries in management consulting (48,300 euros) and in banking (47,200 euros). Nevertheless, many appreciate how they do Public Service News reports the advantages such as working time flexibility and worry-free pension insurance.
Generation Z has a lot to offer: it brings a breath of fresh air and demands more than just a job. She wants to have fun at work, self-realization and a pleasant working atmosphere. The public service has the opportunity to respond to these wishes and position itself as an attractive employer. The time to actively shape the future of this industry is now.