Public service
Migrant generation underrepresented in civil service
Updated on December 11, 2024Reading time: 2 min.
The Federal Statistical office analyzed integration data. One result: people with foreign roots are comparatively poorly represented in the public service.
Only 11 percent of people with a history of immigration were employed in the public sector in Germany last year.Their proportion was therefore around half as high as that of people without a migration background. For example, 20 percent of them worked as teachers, educators, police officers or clerks, as the Federal Statistical Office announced on the occasion of the publication of the integration dashboard based on the results of the microcensus.
There are also differences within this group: while in 2023 every tenth person who had immigrated (10 percent) worked in the public service,this was the case for every seventh person of the descendants with two immigrant parents,i.e. 14 percent. For people with an immigrant parent, the proportion of people employed in the public sector was only slightly lower at 18 percent than for people without an immigrant background at 20 percent.
The progress over time also varies between the individual groups. The proportion of people employed in the public sector among immigrants has increased by just under a percentage point compared to 2013 to 10 percent in 2023. In terms of offspring, he has increased by a good half from 9 percent to 14 percent. “During this period, many people immigrated to Germany, which changed the composition of the immigrants,” explained the statisticians.
Among people with an immigrant parent, the proportion of those employed in the public sector has also increased – from 13 percent to 18 percent.
in 2023, a good 15 percent of public sector employees had an immigration background. Almost 12 percent had immigrated themselves and almost 4 percent were descendants of immigrants. “This means that they are considerably underrepresented in relation to the total population,” explained the Federal Office.People with a history of immigration made up 29 percent of the total population. Their share of employed people aged 15 to 64 was 26 percent.
What are some recent trends in public service that Dr. Hartman highlights in her interview?
Title: The Evolution of Public Service: An Interview with Dr. Emily Hartman, Public Administration Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Hartman! We’re thrilled to have you with us today to discuss the rapidly evolving landscape of public service. Your insights are invaluable, especially in light of recent developments. To kick things off, what do you see as the most pressing challenge facing public service today?
Dr. Emily Hartman: Thank you for having me! One of the biggest challenges is balancing efficiency and accessibility. As governments look to streamline their operations and adopt new technologies, we must ensure that these innovations do not alienate citizens, notably those who may be less tech-savvy or have limited access to digital resources.
time.news Editor: That’s a critical point. With the push for digital transformation, how can public services maintain a human touch while also embracing new technologies?
Dr. Hartman: It’s all about integrating technology with empathy. As a notable example, while online platforms can facilitate quicker responses and reduce wait times, there must also be options for personal interaction. Hybrid models that combine digital tools with face-to-face services can help bridge the gap,ensuring that every citizen feels valued and heard.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of citizen engagement, how do you think public servants can better connect with the communities they serve?
Dr. Hartman: Community involvement is key. Public servants should actively seek feedback and foster dialog with citizens. Engaging with community leaders and organizing town hall meetings can create a two-way street of communication, allowing public service agencies to learn from the experiences of those they serve and adapt their strategies accordingly.
time.news Editor: That’s an interesting approach. However, some argue that bureaucracy often stifles innovation within public service. How can institutions foster a more innovative culture?
Dr. hartman: Absolutely, bureaucracy can be a barrier. To foster innovation, agencies must embrace a mindset of adaptability and continuous improvement. This could involve creating cross-departmental teams that can pilot new ideas or experiment with solutions on a smaller scale before wider implementation. Moreover, providing ongoing training can empower employees to think creatively and take initiative.
Time.news Editor: We’ve seen a growing emphasis on diversity and inclusion in public service roles. What impact do you believe this has on service delivery?
Dr. Hartman: Diversity brings a wealth of perspectives that can enhance decision-making and problem-solving. When public service teams reflect the communities they serve, they can better understand the varied needs and challenges faced by different demographic groups.This inclusivity can lead to more effective service delivery and increased trust between citizens and public institutions.
Time.news Editor: Very true. Lastly, if you had to give one piece of advice to upcoming public service professionals, what would it be?
Dr. Hartman: I would say, never underestimate the power of listening. The most effective public service workers are those who prioritize understanding the needs and experiences of the people they serve.Building relationships, being approachable, and remaining receptive to feedback can transform service delivery into something truly impactful.
Time.news Editor: Marvelous insights, Dr. Hartman! Thank you for sharing your expertise with us today.It’s clear that while challenges exist, there are also numerous opportunities for innovation and engagement in public service.
Dr. Hartman: Thank you! It was a pleasure discussing these important issues. I hope our conversation inspires others to think critically about the future of public service.