I work in a fairly highly ranked agency, but it really varies tremendously from office to office. Supervisors have a lot of autonomy, and thus can be extremely flexible or extremely uptight, and there is just as much variability in competency. I used to work in a great office that has deteriorated into a circus in the last few years due to a new inexperienced manager hired through the old boys network.

I like my office in VA. I wouldn't work for VBA (benefits) though!

It all depends on your manager. Can make life exciting or a living hell.

Anonymous wrote:

I agree. We have incredible flexibility and autonomy at my lawyer-centric agency and we are very low on the list. Everyone always has stuff to gripe about, but after spending 3 years in Biglaw, I feel like my current situation is paradise. Sure, it would be nice if we had more non-management GS-15s, and if our IT wasn't dysfunctional, and if management wasn't all in bed with each other (figuratively speaking), but that's pretty much the case everywhere as far as I can tell.

This is exactly how I would describe my agency. Maybe we work together!

wow, i was just thinking today how terribly run and inhuman our leadership is, how little merit and/or innovation is rewarded, how much corruption I see, how naked the gender discrimination is in particular divisions/under particular leaders, etc. From the outside our agency seems like it would be fantastic, I always get "you must feel so lucky to work there" but I'm approaching burn out.
We are low ranked.

can only use sick leave for 6 weeks (unlike other agencies where you can use it for 12 weeks)

What agencies allow 12 weeks sick leave for maternity leave? I have worked for three over the past 12 years, and it was 6 weeks sick leave (8 for c section) at all of them, the rest annual or unpaid.

Seems like not too much hiring these days. I'd like to switch agencies but there seem to be so few job postings.

I think some of the quasi gov't agencies are the best ones (FDIC, FHFA, etc). They pay more then GS schedule, give bigger bonuses, make higher contributions to TSP, health, dental, etc and everyone seems to like working at them

Anonymous wrote:Lawyers tend to nitpick their agencies to death. Those agencies that employ mainly lawyers -- think EEOC, FLRA, NLRB -- are consistently ranked very low on those surveys and yet I can tell you that quality of life is excellent at the division of the agency where I work. Take it with a grain of salt.

I agree. We have incredible flexibility and autonomy at my lawyer-centric agency and we are very low on the list. Everyone always has stuff to gripe about, but after spending 3 years in Biglaw, I feel like my current situation is paradise. Sure, it would be nice if we had more non-management GS-15s, and if our IT wasn't dysfunctional, and if management wasn't all in bed with each other (figuratively speaking), but that's pretty much the case everywhere as far as I can tell.

I cannot really emphasize how horrible it is to work in the administrative services section of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. I worked there for many years and had to leave to such insane and poor management practices. Just a very, very demoralizing place. The OCC is, very often, a highly ranked agency but it does depend on where you work. Attorneys there are paid quite well and get bonuses. Professional employees in administrative units are treated like cr*p, on the other hand. Some of these well ranked agencies are good in some divisions, but not others. It just depends on the management buffoons controlling the unit you are in.

Yes the list is very accurate. I work at a horrible agency and we rank in the bottom 3rd. I'm shocked that we are't last, but whatever. Maybe other bureaus are pulling up my Department's ranking? Or maybe those bottom third are really that bad?

I have no work flexibility. You MUST work 8-4:30, no teleworking even though I'm telework eligible, for maternity leave you can only use sick leave for 6 weeks (unlike other agencies where you can use it for 12 weeks), I haven't been to a training in 3 years and we barter for copier paper.

Lawyers tend to nitpick their agencies to death. Those agencies that employ mainly lawyers -- think EEOC, FLRA, NLRB -- are consistently ranked very low on those surveys and yet I can tell you that quality of life is excellent at the division of the agency where I work. Take it with a grain of salt.

I think the list is pretty accurate too. I work for a top ranked agency, and have been fairly happy here for over 10 years.
My DH has been at 4 different agencies in the same amount of time. His happiness at work has actually tracked fairly closely with the rankings.
This last move he only applied to 'better' agencies, and he is in a good place now.

That being said, here are some characteristics to look at.

1. What is the average grade of employees? The highly graded agencies appear to be better places to work overall.

2. What is the agencies funding source? The 'richer' agencies- ie fee funded are less subject to the appropriations process and tend to have more money for everything, from office supplies to training.

DISA has flexible schedule, telework, and 3 hours of wellness a week where we can use the gym on premises. Also has two lactation rooms. Very family friendly IMO

I disagree about the DoD comment- I absolutely love where I work- the people I work with, and the work we do. My agency runs like an academic one, so it's way more laid back than others though.