Local governments are not in place to simply provide basic services funded by taxpayer cash: they are instrumental in supporting economic stability, and helping communities to create a sense of place, taking care of those who need it the most.

How the great resignation has impacted the public sector

Even prior to 2020, those working in local governments have faced challenges, but having to carry on with vital community work during the various restrictions and lockdowns only fed fuel to the fire. Those working on the front line in the public sector were undoubtedly the ones who were most impacted by the effects of the pandemic, and so it’s no wonder that the Great Resignation has really taken its toll on the industry.

Now, many workers - in the public sector especially - have a much bigger emphasis on work-life balance and favour the ability to work from anywhere. This challenge has reached the point that in many areas local authorities are seeing an increased rise in staff turnover. To add to this, even those that stick around have higher expectations when it comes to work benefits, and are quicker to find other employment if a job doesn't meet their needs.

The current state of play in local government

Several UK councils face staggering financial distress and are on the verge of bankruptcy following two years of lockdowns and other pandemic strains. The need for funding reform existed prior to the pandemic, but the crisis intensified the chronic mishandling of finances. Many councils are asking for emergency cash and are struggling just to deliver basic services.

Reducing staffing levels is seen as one way to save on budget but can become problematic. Even prior to COVID-19, job losses in local governments were high, squeezing those still serving in councils. The cuts continue as councils work to drastically trim budgets from every possible angle, and that diminishing capacity is compounded by the 64% of public sector employees looking to move elsewhere.

Remote and hybrid working impact on local government

It’s common for the employees that are still around to not be together in a single, central location. This has always been the case, given the nature of the work performed and services provided by local authorities, but a deskless, email-less workforce without consistent access to Wi-Fi can mean a cut-off, less-informed workforce. It can even lead to health and safety issues.

And while there are a number of ways to tackle the compounding concerns and weighty responsibilities of local governments (including task forces and business plans), the truth of the matter is that when the people serving in local governments are discouraged, disconnected and unengaged, affecting change and nurturing communities is far more difficult to do.

So how can you encourage, connect, and engage your employees instead, despite the fact that they are spread both far and wide?

Proximity and capacity are only part of the problem and using outmoded communication technologies (such as email and intranet) only magnifies those issues, because many employees can end up feeling out of the loop.

Local authorities are discovering that they must modernise their internal communications with upgraded technology. Many are turning to digital platforms, such as employee apps, to enable more rapid information sharing, provide all employees with the tools they need to connect and collaborate, and create an environment in which employees can feel heard and recognised.

How can technology help alleviate the issue of staff turnover?

Local authorities have been hyper-focused on crisis mode these past two years, leaving almost no room for learning and development. Technology can be used to create and deliver opportunities for staff members to learn a new skill, tick off an important certification, or take a class - and then be rewarded with online or in-app employee recognition - helping to drive engagement.

Another sure-fire way to improve retention and drive engagement is to make employees feel as though they belong. Belonging is a basic human need, and so it goes without saying that cultivating positive connections with others at work is part of a healthy work experience.

Ensuring that all employees have an opportunity to create content and weigh in on matters related to their role via an app or shared online space is one way that employees can feel heard. Having the right technology in place that encourages collaboration in this way can also facilitate interaction with colleagues, both professionally and even socially.

Ultimately, when employees feel in-the-know, connected with others at work, listened to, and recognised for their efforts, engagement improves. And a highly engaged employee is more likely to stick around.

James Scott is CEO and co-founder of Thrive.App