This year, you published 354 articles — that's nearly 400,000 words or the equivalent of three hefty political autobiographies (though Angela Merkel’s 720-page memoir might still outpace us). In August, we took things further by enabling article self-publication, empowering the Apolitical community to share their own stories, insights and ideas directly with one another. We also launched Communities — which now have over 10,000 Apolitical members discussing what’s new in the world of government every day.
But what truly struck a chord this year? What topics cut through the noise and captured the attention of public servants worldwide?
We’ve rounded up the 10 most-read articles on Apolitical in 2024. Dive in and enjoy!
1. 5 writing hacks for public servants by Andrew Wear, Director of Economic Development and International, City of Melbourne, Australia
Many of us are insecure about typing those first few words of a large memo. It’s no surprise that one of the most popular articles of the year shares how to become a better writer. Government writing does not have to be dry and monotonous – follow these tips to learn how to write better even if you are just sending out your weekly newsletter.
Want more writing tips? Join thousands of public servants sharing their writing hacks in the Writing Effectively in Government community.
2. Workplace adjustments for ADHD by Dr. Beverley Jandziol, Commercial Director for Programmes, FCDO, UK
Do you have ADHD? Or are you learning ways to ensure your workplace is accessible to all? Dr. Beverley Jandziol shares their own experience of ADHD to help all public servants better understand how we can create better work environments.
Want to hear more experiences of neurodiversity in the public service? Join thousands of public servants in the Neurodiverstiy in Public Service community.
3. What I ask in interviews (and why) by Lucy Ellis, Senior Speechwriter, Privy Council Office, Canada
Have you ever got to the end of an interview and been asked the dreaded question, “What questions do you have for us?” Lucy Ellis lays out in detail every question you should ask of a future workplace. Now you’ll never be stumped again when you get to the end of an interview.
4. Gen Z public servants incoming! How the public sector workforce is evolving by Sarick Chapagain, Programme Advisor, Ontario, Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
Gen Z now works in government, and they demand more from their workplace! This article considers how Gen Z is shaping government work and vice versa — and what governments can do to attract a younger talent pool.
5. Let's Abandon Interviews! by Martin Stanley
Is it time to abandon the 45-minute interview? If so, what should replace it? Read the article to find out.
Want to be part of our next round-up of articles? Submit your next piece here and share your thoughts with the community!
6. New to management? Here are the top 5 books to read by Katelyn Palmer, Policy Manager, Supply Ontario
Being a manager for the first time is a daunting task – but these five books can help you get through the initial growing pains of your new role.
Want more management tips? Join your peers in the global public service in the Managing People in Public Service community.
7. 5 tips to manage anxiety and get better at public speaking by Shabana Ansari, Research Specialist, Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) of Canada
Is public speaking one of your least favourite parts of your job? Read Shabana Ansari’s tips on how to become a more confident public speaker.
Want to learn more about becoming a better public speaker? Check out our free course An Introduction to Public Speaking in Government.
8. Didn't get the job? 4 questions to propel your career forward by Pavitra Raja
Rejection is inevitable, and it’s also not the end of the journey. Pavitra Raja shares with us key ways to deal with rejection the next time you face it in the job hiring process.
9. How I find the time for doing things that matter by Shabana Ansari
We are all inundated with countless tasks, responsibilities, and emails to respond to. The author shares how they approach a busy schedule and try to make it easier for themselves to tackle a heavy workload when things start to feel overwhelming.
10. 9 tips for professional development in the civil service by Dr Jolanta Golan, Senior Social Researcher, Home Office
Have you started a new job in the civil service, but have no idea how best to show up in your role? The author lets us in on how they adapted to a new role within civil service and their best tips on how to make the most of it. What has been some of the best career advice you have received in the public sector?
Have your own government story to share? Now’s a great time to start working on your first article of 2025. Write, proofread, copy, paste, and click submit. It’s just that easy.
Top 5 articles by Apolitical of 2024:
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