And rather than becoming disgruntled former employees, dumped bureaucrats could be "ambassadors" for their former agency if their "employer-initiated separations" are handled properly.

The report Unlocking potential - APS workforce management contestability review, by corporate high-flyer Sandra McPhee, has tapped the language of modern relationship gurus in its prescription for workplace happiness in the Australian Public Service.

Breaking-up can be notoriously hard to do in the federal bureaucracy with two unhappy former public servants trying and failing last week in the Fair Work Commission to prove they were unfairly dismissed.

But it doesn't have to be that way, according to the report's author, who feels both partners to an employment relationship need to be open and upfront about their needs from the outset.

"Business priorities should determine employment arrangements,so that there is the right balance between those employed for specified periods and ongoing employees depending on the nature of the work and anticipated future needs," Ms McPhee writes.

"Capability should be easily accessed and refreshed, and the best people mobilised to address emerging priorities."

After all, this thing doesn't have to be a lifelong commitment, Ms McPhee believes, and if things don't work out people should be free to move on to a new partner with no hard feelings or recriminations.

And they should certainly stay friends.

"The APS needs a cultural shift so that separation becomes an accepted part of continuous workforce renewal, and is respectful and blameless, where appropriate," Ms McPhee writes.

"Separations are conducted in a reasonable timeframe and employees exit as ambassadors for their agency, not as an aggrieved party.'