Governor signs executive order to expand public service opportunities

Gov. Josh Shapiro signed Executive Order 2024-01 earlier this month establishing the Hire, Improve, Recruit, Empower (HIRE) Committee, the stated goal of which is to expand opportunities for Pennsylvanians seeking a career in public service.

“Public service is a noble profession – and I am proud to serve alongside 80,000 commonwealth employees who go to work every day to help their communities,” Shapiro said. “The executive order will ensure the Commonwealth is a competitive, attractive, and fulfilling place to work – and we have a workforce that is representative of Pennsylvania as a whole and accessible to our residents. Whether you’ve just graduated at a recent commencement and you’re starting a new career or have been in the workforce for a while now – we want you to build your career with the commonwealth.”

Approximately 24% of the state’s workforce is eligible for retirement in next five years in agencies under the governor’s jurisdiction – and the HIRE Committee will work to ensure the state can make progress on attracting the next generation of public servants, compete with other employers in a competitive labor market, recruit and hire for historically hard to fill jobs, and ensure the state’s workforce is representative of the diverse backgrounds and beliefs of Pennsylvania’s residents.

To build a competitive workforce and become a model for other states and the private sector, the HIRE Committee will work with the Office of Administration (OA) and other Commonwealth agencies to:

• Develop a pilot program to create financial incentives to help recruit employees with non-English language proficiency for key roles where language proficiency is needed.

• Continuously build creative recruitment strategies for the state’s hard to fill jobs.

• Develop a mentorship and networking program to support recently discharged veterans entering or returning to state employment.

• Collaborate with the PA Reentry Council to promote pathways to employment in state government for recently incarcerated Pennsylvanians.

• Create an inclusive workplace in state-owned buildings by directing an accessibility study of the Harrisburg Capitol Complex to improve mobility in and around the Capitol Complex for individuals with disabilities.

• Expand childcare options in state-owned buildings to support working parents.

• Expand the availability of free menstrual products in state-owned restrooms.

• Continue efforts working with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation to widen pathways to state employment for individuals with disabilities.

• Provide employees with notice that they may use allotted sick leave to prioritize their mental health.