When people hear the term public service, they may imagine a fire truck or police car being dispatched to an emergency or someone volunteering at a food pantry. But these examples are only a small portion of the many ways that public service matters. In fact, public services play a crucial societal role and contribute to the well-being of citizens and communities. A recent survey found that Americans rated government efforts highly in responding to natural disasters, enforcing workplace standards, managing the safety of drugs and food, and protecting the environment.
The technical definition of public service is any service provided to the inhabitants of a jurisdiction, whether by its government directly or through governmental financing of private provision of services. This includes a wide range of activities and jobs, from providing health care to running the library to providing trash pickup or water treatment services. It also encompasses government policies that address issues of common interest, such as education, the environment or the economy.
A public service job is one that supports constitutional and democratic government, enables the Government to pursue long-term public interest and facilitates active citizenship. It requires a workforce with the skills and knowledge to do the job well. But it also requires employees with energy and enthusiasm, a strong sense of community and a belief that their work contributes to people’s daily lives. Leaders who foster a culture of public service help ensure that staff have the right mindset and motivation to do their best work.
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