Finding the Right Person In the afternoon, the group delved into the murky waters of federal IT workforce challenges. Workforce planning and management, recruitment and retention, and career development are among government's toughest challenges. Review of federal personnel classification and qualification standards is a solid first step towards sound IT management. Well-defined IT positions facilitate hiring and make it easier to find the right person for the right job. Discrepancy in salaries between public and private sector technology workers is a constant headache in government's recruitment process.
Salary caps limit competitive wages.
Seeking to compensate for the disparity, government offers relocation and signing bonuses, flex-time, and education incentives. Career development is essential in maintaining quality staff. A viable IT workplace requires capable staff. Several departments and agencies are implementing training and certification programs aimed to increase computer proficiency and enhance technical expertise. Although government's workforce problems are far from being resolved, Parker's committee is being encouraged to continue its good work.