Among the reasons that keep young people from Romania away from working in public institutions are the complicated recruitment methodology, the outdated work environment, lower salaries than in private companies, the lack of investment in technologies and digitalization, the lack of opportunities for personal development, the flexibility of the place of work and the lack of modernization from a technical point of view.

The study, conducted on a sample of 5,166 respondents, reveals that only 12% of public sector employees are young, aged between 18 and 35. These data highlight a worrying trend of an aging workforce in this sector, suggesting the need for policies and strategies to encourage young people to move towards careers in public administration.

In parallel, the study highlights the fact that Romanians who work or would like to work in the public sector particularly appreciate certain aspects of this professional environment. Among these are working hours, which are perceived as more flexible and friendlier than in the private sector. Work-life balance is another important factor, with many public sector employees reporting that they manage to maintain a balanced lifestyle without major personal sacrifices.

Career stability and job security are two other reasons why many Romanians feel attracted to the public sector. However, the survey data points to the need for reform measures to attract and retain more young people in the public sector.

Why young people are not attracted to work in the state

"In the public sector, a worrying trend is observed: the presence of young people in this sector seems to be almost non-existent. The low figure reflects the existence of significant obstacles regarding the possibility of young people finding a job within public institutions. Among them is the fact that the state institutions have failed to make the work environment attractive for young people, who, at the beginning of their professional career, would like to learn from specialists. The clumsy recruitment method, the outdated way of working, the dishonest work environment, the lack of challenges and the lack of development opportunities are enough reasons for young people to avoid working for the state. This, although young people in Romania are hardworking, dedicated, creative, know how to use modern technology and are up to date with innovations and digital evolution, and thus can contribute to optimizing the way of working and achieving the results of the institution effectively. Public institutions should pay special attention to creating an attractive and stimulating work environment for young people, offering them opportunities for professional and personal development", says Bogdan-Costin FÂRȘIROTU, President of the APSAP Training Center and founder of the platform www.cursuri-functionari.ro.

From the experience of the APSAP Training Center www.cursuri-functionari.ro, young people in Romania prefer to work in the private sector and avoid employment in the public sector for a number of understandable reasons. The salaries offered by private companies are, for young people without experience, higher compared to those in the public sector. Private companies offer many fast and effective opportunities for professional development and growth, including through training programs, mentoring, team building and career advancement opportunities, opportunities that young people consider essential for their career advancement.

"The working environment in the private sector is perceived as more dynamic and flexible, in contrast to the bureaucracy and rigidity of the public sector, where complex procedures often discourage initiative and innovation. "In addition, young people are attracted to private companies that value innovation and technology, offering a modern work environment and resources that facilitate productivity and well-being. In comparison, the public sector is seen as less innovative and more resistant to change. Thus, only by creating a modern, dynamic work environment favorable to professional growth, the public sector will be able to compete effectively with the private sector in attracting and maintaining young people with potential. Investing in human resources, adapting to the new economic and social realities and promoting an open and innovative organizational culture are essential steps to transform the public sector into a top employer for young people in Romania", says Bianca-Florentina ZICHIL, Director at the Center of APSAP Training.

Another reason that drives young people away from state institutions can be the complicated methodology of the recruitment process, which is based solely on the ability to memorize numerous laws. This can be seen in the competition notices in the public sector, where only the bibliographic references are mentioned which add up to an average of 800 pages of legislation for enforcement posts. The bibliography and the subjects of the contest include exclusively complex laws depending on the specifics of the post, such as the Administrative Code, the Public Procurement Law, the Civil Code, the Civil Procedure Code, the Construction Law, etc.                                       

"The expectations of the future employer are that these normative acts are mastered by the candidates within a horizon of approximately 30 days. For example, once employed in an execution position as a debutant advisor, a young person has to wait approximately 7 years to reach the maximum salary step of that position. In this interval, he will pass through the various professional grades of the post, from beginner, assistant, principal and up to the highest level. All these aspects discourage especially young people who could be the engine of change for the better in the budgetary sector", declares Bogdan-Costin FÂRȘIROTU, President of the APSAP Training Center and founder of the www.cursuri-functionari.ro platform.

According to the Administrative Code, for the occupation of a public position there is a national recruitment stage, carried out by the National Agency of Public Servants (ANFP), and a competition for the position, organized by the employing public institution.

The first stage consists of verifying the general knowledge and general skills necessary for holding a public office and is carried out through a national level competition. As in the case of other positions put out to competition at the national level, a considerable and extensive bibliography is required, which includes: the Constitution of Romania, Law no. 202/2022 regarding equal opportunities and treatment between women and men, the Administrative Code and Government Ordinance no. 137/2000 on the prevention and sanctioning of all forms of discrimination.  

After passing the national competition, individuals do not acquire the status of civil servant, but will be able to participate, for 3 years, in any job competition organized by a public institution.

The selection stage is made by the employing institution and consists in checking the specialized knowledge and specific skills necessary to occupy a vacant public position, carried out through a job competition.

"Many young people have been looking for career opportunities since college. Most participate in job fairs specially organized for them. Unfortunately, in these events, there are no public institutions that present their offers and employment opportunities, and public institutions do not offer the possibility to work part-time. At the same time, for many years, a significant number of private companies, especially in the IT&C sector, have been organizing paid internship programs for young people from faculties, even part-time, with the possibility of extending the employment contract", says Aylin-Alexia DAVID, Analyst at the APSAP Training Center.

The data highlights the need for a proactive approach to the recruitment and involvement of young people in the public sector. "Young people bring a huge potential for innovation, flexibility and digital knowledge, crucial elements for improving public services and adapting to changes in society, especially those of a digital nature. Only through an active and well-directed involvement of young people can we ensure a continuous and relevant evolution of the public sector, able to respond promptly and efficiently to the needs of our communities", says Anca-Cătălina BAȘTUREA, Analyst at the APSAP Training Center.

According to the data published by the National Agency of Public Servants from 2022, at the level of Romania, only 2.4% of civil servants are under 30 years of age, compared to almost 44% of civil servants over 50 years of age. The reason can be explained by the absence of a strategy to attract and retain young people, which would support and sustain the reform process in public administration.

Why Romanians prefer to work for the state

Of the 5,166 respondents, 47.4% stated that one of the main reasons for choosing a career in the public sector is work-life balance. This aspect underlines the importance for Romanian employees of stability between professional and personal responsibilities.

Another motivating factor is the working schedule, preferred by 46.7% of respondents. Many employees appreciate a balanced work schedule that provides predictability and stability in the organization of time, without having to accumulate overtime.

Career stability is also a frequently chosen reason by over 45% of survey participants. The public sector is perceived to offer a more secure and stable career compared to the private sector, often with benefits such as generous pensions.

In March 2024, the APSAP Training Center organized a series of free training sessions, accessible online, aimed at public administration staff, with the aim of updating their knowledge and keeping them up to date with new legislative regulations in 11 relevant fields of activity. Of the participants, 5,166 completed a 29-question questionnaire, which formed the basis of these conclusions.

Founded in 2014, the non-governmental organization APSAP Training Center has become one of the most trusted organizations providing training programs for the public and private sectors in Romania. An accredited professional training provider with more than 18 years of experience, the APSAP Training Center has over 250,000 active participants and a faculty of 75 exceptional trainers. The courses offered for government and private sector employees include courses in human resources, data protection, digital skills, digital marketing and social media, public speaking, entrepreneurial skills, project management and others. All APSAP courses are authorized by the Ministry of Labor and the Ministry of Education.

Hundreds of private companies choose, year after year, the training and improvement services organized physically (with presence) or in online format of the Center. In the last 4 years of activity alone, the APSAP Training Center has organized 3,000 training programs and national conferences attended by over 100,000 individuals, civil servants, contractual staff, dignitaries and other categories of personnel from our country.