Public service in Wiesbaden: Prepare for the future now!

Public service in Wiesbaden: Prepare for the future now!

On June 23, 2025, “Public Service Day” will be celebrated in Wiesbaden. Mayor Gert-Uwe Mende takes this opportunity to thank over 6,800 employees of the state capital. Public service is viewed as the backbone of our community. However, despite all the recognition, this sector faces major challenges that cannot be ignored. We must respond to demographic change, a serious shortage of skilled workers and the demands of digitalization with new ideas and strategies, as the Wiesbadener Presse reports.

The shortage of skilled workers in particular is causing problems for many municipalities. Current estimates show that over 500,000 public sector jobs are unfilled, and this number could continue to rise by 2030. The experiences of older employees are becoming increasingly rare due to demographic change. In this context, it is crucial to create opportunities for flexible retirement and to bring retirees back into work, especially in professions such as teaching or medicine. This could provide valuable support in the so-called reservist model, as suggested by the PwC analysis.

Increase the attractiveness of public services

In order to make the public service future-proof, Wiesbaden is committed to creating secure jobs, transparent pay and meaningful tasks. Flexible working hours, home office options and an extensive training program as well as health offers are already part of the offer. The city is also actively looking for young talent and offers numerous internships, apprenticeships and dual study programs. The main goal here is to make the diversity of professions in the public service visible and to make them more attractive.

A central concern is also digital transformation, which is to be driven forward with modern technology such as artificial intelligence. The use of AI could significantly improve the efficiency and citizen-friendliness of the administration, for example through digital application processes or improved internal communication structures. However, challenges such as the need for training and legal hurdles must also be taken into account, as the Taylor Wessing study shows.

Innovative approaches to securing skilled workers

In order to effectively counteract the shortage of skilled workers, simplified lateral entry from the private sector could serve as a solution. Public sector requirements should also be more closely tailored to actual tasks, which could reduce both the duration and costs of retraining. All of this requires a public that rethinks and redesigns the public service as an employer. Central image campaigns could help to make this sector more attractive for potential employees and, above all, to highlight the diversity of opportunities.

At a time when the challenges facing public services are becoming ever greater, the question remains how these structural changes can be implemented quickly and efficiently. Public Service Day is an important step in the right direction to both highlight employee recognition and address the challenges that will affect future generations of employees. The city of Wiesbaden is well prepared for this challenge and shows with numerous offers that it has a good knack for making the public service fit for the future.