Federal workers sour on government work, decrying eroding job security

August 3, 2026 / 11:07 AM EDT / CBS News

Federal workers sour on government work, decrying eroding job security

TL;DR

  • Nearly two-thirds of U.S. federal workers stated they would not enter public service again.
  • Key reasons cited include eroding job security and benefits.
  • The Trump administration's actions, including job cuts and weakened civil service protections, are contributing factors.
  • The 2025 government shutdown, the longest in modern U.S. history, negatively impacted workers.
  • Federal workers with degrees earn significantly less than their private-sector counterparts.
  • The perceived balance of job security and mission support in federal work is deteriorating, requiring new incentives for recruitment.