The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic introduced a new problem in the public sector: position vacancy. High vacancy rates have been reported in most government agencies. In the State of California, for example, the rate of county vacancies reached as high as 30%. What caused the crisis, and what remedies are needed to tackle it?

• The public sector must address the staffing crisis and fix the pay gap between the public and private sectors. • The post-pandemic job market is dramatically different, and the public sector needs to adapt to the new realities. • Opportunities abound in this crisis, but hard decisions must be made, such as eliminating vacant positions to overcome budget issues.

Ali Chemkhi

Systems Accountant, County of San Bernardino

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