THE ILLUSSION OF GREENER GRASS IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE: A CASE FOR EMPLOYEE ROTATION I have clogged three decades in the public service and still counting🤣. I have worked in national and provincial government departments, with Western Cape and the current employer being the most challenging and character moulding in my whole career. I wrote an email to all and said my goodbyes when leaving Wedtern Cape, and added a phrase:” now I can put my guns down” and Mr Eugene Southgate responded and said, “don’t pack them yet cause the battlefield would be different”🤣 My observations is that the public service, it is common for employees to believe that opportunities, conditions, and leadership are better in other departments or spheres of government. This notion of thinking the grass is greener on the other side often fuels frustration, disengagement,and even unnecessary job-hopping.However, a closer look reveals that the challenges faced in one institution are often mirrored elsewhere, albeit in different forms. Employees may feel undervalued in their current roles, seeing others in similar positions thrive under seemingly better leadership or policies. Yet, moving to a new department does not always guarantee improved circumstances.Bureaucratic inefficiencies, and resistance to change are structural challenges that exist across the public service. The reality is that every institution has its own set of dysfunctions, some visible, others only apparent once one is embedded in the system. This is not to say that employees should not seek growth or better opportunities. However, the key lies in discerning where dissatisfaction stems from and instead of chasing illusions, public servants should focus on making impactful contributions within their current environments while strategically planning their career growth. ONE KEY REFORM THAT GOVERNMENT should consider is a STRUCTURED EMPLOYEE ROTATION SYSTEM, across the public service and particularly for employees who have served in the same role for 10 years or more in one department. Long-term placement in one department and position often leads to a sense of entitlement, where individuals become overly comfortable and resistant to change, which not only blocks innovation and fresh ideas but also discourages accountability, as employees may feel they have established untouchable positions. When such occurs, workplaces become toxic, with internal politics overshadowing service delivery. Micro-aggressions, favoritism, and territorialism take root, creating an environment where new ideas and ambitious employees struggle to thrive. A rotation system would disrupt these comfort zones, ensuring that employees are continuously challenged, exposed to new perspectives, and remain adaptable to change. Employee placement in one department for their career life and also in one position is a major contributor to bad public service and rotation is the answer to curb this territorial tendencies and cliques.❤️