Advancement and Retention Barriers in the U.S. Air Force Civilian White Collar Workforce: Implications for Demographic Diversity

• Published in: Policy File 2020
• Main Authors: Keller, Kirsten M, Lytell, Maria C, Schulker, David, Hall, Kimberly Curry, Mariano, Louis T, Crown, John S, Matthews, Miriam, Crosby, Brandon, Saum-Manning, Lisa, Yeung, Douglas, Payne, Leslie Adrienne, Knutson, Felix, Caudill, Leann
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Subjects: Demographics; RAND Corporation

The Air Force experiences challenges in maintaining a demographically diverse civilian workforce. This report documents the results of a study designed to better understand the challenges that Air Force civilian women, racial/ethnic minorities, and individuals with disabilities in General Schedule (GS) (and equivalent) positions may face in advancing to higher pay grades as well as factors they consider when deciding whether to remain with the Air Force. The study analyzed Air Force personnel data to identify demographic differences in advancement and retention patterns and conducted focus groups and interviews with close to 300 participants to better understand potential advancement and retention barriers. The report describes key findings related to differences in advancement and retention and provides recommendations for potential changes to Air Force policies and practices to help grow and retain civilian talent from across all demographics.