Number: RL34685
Title: The Federal Workforce: Characteristics and Trends
Authors: Curtis W. Copeland, Government and Finance Division 
Abstract: The work of the federal government is done via its workforce, so understanding the characteristics and trends of that workforce is a critical part of understanding how the federal government can better accomplish its various missions. Understanding the federal workforce is also important for a variety of other reasons. Personnel costs for both current and former employees represent a substantial portion of many agencies' budgets, and a significant portion of the total federal budget. Some federal agencies are major employers in certain states, and tens of thousands of federal employees work outside of the United States. The federal workforce is also expected by some to reflect the gender, racial, and ethnic diversity of the country as a whole. In addition, understanding recent changes in the overall size and composition of the federal workforce can indicate what changes may lie in the future.
Pages: 28
Date: September 30, 2008