What tech employees want

Many of the nation’s leading technology companies -- and major competitors with the federal government for staff -- were among the leaders on a list of the top 50 companies to work for in 2013. Some of the top perks that draw and keep employees at top companies like Facebook are trust in leadership, challenging work and perks and benefits that help employees balance their work and personal lives.

So how can the federal government attract talent in this environment? Despite a 5 percent dip in federal employee morale over the past year, according to the Partnership for Public Service’s recent Best Places to Work Survey, the areas that draw federal employees into public service remain the areas that may keep them in their jobs, helping the government maintain its competitive edge.

A new survey by Graduate School USA found that most federal employees are finding appreciation within their organizations -- 93 percent from their team and co-workers and 74 percent from the leadership in their agency.

Finding appreciation among elected officials and the public, however, is a mixed bag. Just 59 percent of feds said they feel appreciated by President Obama. Sixty-eight percent of respondents felt Congress did not appreciate their work, and 52 percent said the American people did not.

“In order to maintain a strong federal workforce, it’s imperative to understand what these surveys tell us,” said Jerry Ice, CEO and president of Graduate School USA. “There is an ongoing need for leadership training, with an expanded focus on effective communications. The survey indicates a direct correlation between a clearly articulated mission and positive team dynamics.”