The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) has found that the Maritime Administration (MARAD) needs to take action to help address workforce challenges.MARAD has about 800 employees, but the agency is facing staff
The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) has found that the Maritime Administration (MARAD) needs to take action to help address workforce challenges.
MARAD has about 800 employees, but the agency is facing staff turnover, high numbers of employees eligible to retire and vacancies in critical positions. And it doesn't have a strategic human capital plan to address how it will hire and retain employees.
As of September 2024, MARAD had a 12.3 percent vacancy rate—116 vacancies out of 941 authorized full-time positions. In addition, MARAD separated 235 more employees than it hired over the last 10 years. According to MARAD officials, these vacancies have made it increasingly difficult for the staff to accomplish their mission.
Furthermore, the number of retirement-eligible staff is projected to increase, from 24% in 2024 to 43% by calendar year 2029. To address these challenges, MARAD has expanded the use of hiring flexibilities to help recruit qualified candidates, begun employee engagement efforts, and developed a recruitment and outreach plan.
In July 2024, MARAD hired a contractor to develop a strategic workforce plan. Agency officials expect the plan to be completed in September 2025.
GAO found that MARAD has not fully implemented key strategic workforce planning principles
Content Original Link:
" target="_blank">
