A GovLab idea. What is GovCloud?

“This is the first generation of people that work, play, think and learn differently than their parents... They are the first generation to not be afraid of technology. It’s like the air to them.”

— Don Tapscott, author of Grown Up Digital

The video above is an introduction of what next workforce generation is looking for. GovCloud is an interesting initiative proposed by Deloitte Consulting LLP.

The goal is to reinvent HR by creating an adaptable and flexible government. In order to develop this idea, Deloitte team proposes a game-changing concept in the technology world: cloud computing. For instance, key organizations and small startups equally enhance their flexibility by sharing storage space, information, and resources in a "cloud" so why not move beyond computing and apply this “cloud” system to the workforce?. As Deloitte report indicates, a cloud-based government workforce, or GovCloud, might embrace employees who take on creative, problem-focused tasks. Instead of existing in any single agency, these employees can stay in the cloud, making them truly government-wide employees. This means that the cloud will have teams forming and dissolving as their tasks require. Consequently this will encourage workers on specific project or missions outcomes rather than ongoing operations. This GovCloud model proposed a different strategy for HR managers and its goals is to provide incentives to retain and recruit skillful and passionate millennials.

Deloitte suggest an HR management system that integrates the accrual of experience points (XP) through effective work on cloud projects, training, education, and professional certifications and it could replace the tenure-centric models for cloud employees. Its system structure includes the following strategies:

• Rewards team players: Creates incentives not only to perform well as an individual but also to be a valuable collaborative team member, and to continue one’s personal development.

• Manages performance: Allows governments to shift focus from time in grade to a more holistic performance management scheme.

• Fits work style: Capitalizes on the work style of Millennials, who value performance over tenure.

• Creates right incentives: Takes advantage of “gamification”; concepts to incentivize desired behaviors.

• Lets workers own their careers: Allows workers to take personal ownership over the management of their careers, including their professional development and work-life integration.

I find GovCloud a very interesting approach and it would definitely transform the way government organizations manage its workforce nowadays.

For more information about this report please go to http://www.deloitte.com/govcloud.