July 5, 2023
The Great Resignation, or the sudden wave of people quitting their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, has severely impacted the courts, too. The Florida Trial Court Budget Commission determined for trial court positions that provide and support due process services (e.g., court reporters, digital court reporters, court interpreters, staff attorneys, and court program specialists), the turnover rate has more than doubled since FY 2020-21.The court reporter shortages were detailed in a March 2023 Trending Topic. Courts have moved to address the lack of workforce issues in a variety of ways.
In Nebraska’s State of the Judiciary message, Chief Justice Michael G. Heavican shared how they have addressed court staff shortages. One strategy was to increase the salaries of a third of their employees in 2022, the other 2/3 staff to be considered next. Acting Chief Judge Anthony Cannataro also stated in his New York State of the Judiciary message that one of the challenges their court system is facing is staff shortages. “Needless to say, staffing shortages slow down our dockets and burden our already-strained workforce.” California Santa Clara County court is also facing shortages of sheriff’s deputies and courtroom staff. State courts are still continually trying to hire new employees to fill the shortages.
NCSC is trying to help courts develop and maintain a strong workforce as well. The Courts Rock initiative showed why working in the courts is a great career and how you can make a difference in others’ lives. The webinar Recipe for a Strong Workforce (all webinars can be watched on demand) presented court panelists sharing initiatives to address recruitment, onboarding, professional development, and retention.
NACM’s Court Leaders Advantage podcast series discussed the effects of the Great Resignation on courts in 2022. One panelist said that the Louisiana Division of Children and Family Services saw a 43 percent reduction in their staff which is causing backlogs. The division also said they were receiving fewer applications for job postings. Two of their strategies to retain employees included allowing remote work and flex schedules when possible.
Is your court still experiencing the effects of the great resignation or now on top of it, quiet quitting? Share your experiences with us at Knowledge@ncsc.org or call 800-616-6164. Follow the National Center for State Courts on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.