Why do employees want to be feds? Benefits are a big reason

Health and retirement benefits are a key reason why employees join and stay with the federal government, according to survey data released last week by the Office of Personnel Management. 

Specifically, more than two-thirds of those surveyed said that the availability of Federal Employees Health Benefits, the Thrift Savings Plan and the retirement annuity greatly or moderately influenced their decision to take a federal job. Similarly, more than three-quarters of employees reported that the trio of benefit programs influenced their decision to remain in a government job. 

“It is clear that these major benefit programs have an impact on both recruiting and retaining talent in the federal government, making it critical to continuously improve these benefits to meet employee needs,” the report authors wrote. 

Approximately 20,600 federal workers in 2023 completed the Federal Employee Benefits Survey, which OPM conducts every other year. The agency weighted the resulting data to ensure it is representative of the overall federal workforce. 

Ninety percent or more of respondents said that the availability of TSP, the retirement annuity, retiree health benefits and FEHB were important or extremely important to them. 

Likewise, 94% reported that FEHB meets their needs to a great or moderate extent while 90% said the same for TSP. Regarding value ratings, 66% responded that FEHB was an excellent or good value and 82% agreed for TSP. 

The report also noted that, of federal employees who reported that paid parental leave greatly influenced their decision to accept a federal job, 68% were in the millennial or Gen Z groups. 

“The Biden-Harris administration has strengthened benefits for our employees and their families and this year’s FEBS is a positive sign we’re on the right track,” said OPM Acting Director Rob Shriver in a statement. “At OPM, we will continue to support all of our workers, ensuring the federal government remains a model employer to attract and retain the nation’s top talent.”  

More respondents said they did not know if they were enrolled in the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program, 21%, than reported that they were a participant, 9%. The program helps pay for care costs when enrollees, such as those with Alzheimer’s disease, need assistance with everyday activities. 

Applications for coverage under the program were suspended in late 2022, but interestingly 51% of employees, a 10% increase from 2021, said the program’s availability was important or extremely important to them. 

Other notable findings include:

• 63% of respondents agreed that additional fertility benefits should be provided through private companies at a discounted rate if their FEHB plan doesn’t adequately cover their needs. Congressional Democrats have been pushing to expand federal employee access to in vitro fertilization and other assisted reproductive technologies. 
• 79% said they were not aware that FEHB plans cover prescription medications to treat obesity, a requirement that took effect in 2023. 
• 72% of employees who reported that they or a family member sought gender-affirming care or services said they were able to receive it. Republicans have increasingly tried to restrict access to gender-affirming care, particularly for teenagers.