The conditions of government workers have always been notorious for their higher stress levels, longer working days, and endless workload. Because most tasks performed by government workers (from local to federal levels) carry a high degree of impact and confidentiality, they’re particularly hard to delegate, negotiate or postpone.
Recent studies have found the average government employee works 47 hours a week - which is 7 hours more than the average worker in the private sector. It’s not surprising that over half of these employees admitted to feelings of overwhelm, exhaustion, and burnout. In fact, government workers are at the highest risk of burnout, with a 21% higher risk than individuals in the private sector.
So while there’s no passing the baton in the government workforce, there could - and should - be something that reduces overhead, simplifies the workflow, and reduces corporate stress:
Automation.
Through the years there’s been plenty of debate regarding why the conditions remain so tumultuous, especially as other industries become so advanced in dealing with these circumstances. Are they understaffed? Have budgets been cut? So far, all the evidence points back to a single source: the software.
Technology has become a day-to-day necessity in both our personal and professional lives. The speed of invention is beginning to overtake our speed of adoption, but the government workforce encounters a huge disadvantage when trying to implement cutting-edge technology: heavy regulations and a complex technological infrastructure. This slows application down even more, leaving most to settle with outdated platforms that don’t utilize more efficient and competent systems. The decision is dually justified when we see workers already maxed with no spare time to invest in learning and integrating new operating programs.
At this point, it might sound all gloom and doom, but we’ve seen many municipalities curve the outcome with cutting-edge technological implementations. So how did they do it? And what do fellow government bodies look for when finding their next provider?
1. A Trusted Source
Because the approval of software is what gets complex and time-consuming, finding a solution that’s already used by other municipalities (especially within your demographic), will help expedite the process and the need for further due diligence.
2. Software Training
Even the most tech-savvy need training in order to optimally use new software. Finding a provider that supports your transition and integration is critical for reducing friction and utilizing all capabilities of your new system.
3. Customer Support
It’s great to have support on Day 1, but what happens when there’s a system malfunction or regular maintenance is required? Your solution should be able to support you in these circumstances as well.
One solution currently on the marketplace (and used in many municipalities throughout the Western US), is American Data Group (ADG). The integrated, resilient nature of their software allows for seamless automation of things like utility billing, payroll, and other citizen-facing services. With over a decade of serving the community, they’re known for their exceptional Customer Service, intensive training resources, and very price-friendly packages. Using software like ADG doesn’t just free up the valuable time of government employees and other city workers, but the system is designed to grow with the needs of its clients. With regular updates and an ever-expanding catalog of reliable abilities, ADG is a prime candidate for your one-stop software solution.
Learn more about what ADG provides now