Future challenges related to changing public service provision: HRM implications of balancing old and new public servant characteristics

Abstract

This chapter synthesizes emerging trends for public service delivery and their implications for the characteristics and competencies of the future public sector employee. In particular, two clusters of emerging challenges and trends are discussed. The first relates to technology - virtual and remote work practices, automation, robotization, and uberization of public service delivery work, and the second to demography - the emergence of the “four generation workplace” due to ageing of existing cohorts of public sector workers, and the influx of new generations with different views of work and careers alongside uberization and decreasing job security. The chapter concludes with outlining key traditional as well new competencies public servants have to master to be able to operate effectively in this future environment, and discusses how the HRM function can recruit for and develop those competencies.