Feds like the way these agencies work it

The Partnership for Public Service released the 2010 Best Places to Work in the Federal Government rankings Sept. 1. The rankings measure employee satisfaction and are based on a survey of more than 263,000 federal workers at 290 federal agencies and subcomponents.

Results of the survey indicate that the Treasury Department has found something new for the ladies, as it increased its standing among the women in its offices, according to an analysis of federal employee satisfaction.

At the same time, the Veterans Affairs Department may be losing its groove, falling the largest percentage of points among the 29 large agencies on the list.

Two possible factors may be balancing family life and work. In the survey, Treasury ranked fourth out of 28 agencies in whether its employees overall consider their workloads reasonable, and also whether managers are supportive of a balance between work and private life. Despite the high ranking, the department slipped 2.30 percent compared to 2009. Most agencies decreased in the work/life balance category. Near the lowest rung, VA sits 26th of 28 on that scale, having fallen nearly 10 percent from last year.

Related stories

Best places to work in the federal government

Similarly, Treasury ranked 11th out of 28 in whether its employees believe the department is family-friendly, such as the option of telecommuting and receiving things like child care subsidies. The VA was dead last in that category.

Looking more broadly at the survey, female federal employees are happier overall with their agency. Except for three, all of the 29 large agencies crept up in their standing compared to 2009. But along with the VA, the Securities and Exchange Commission and the National Archives and Record Administration slipped slightly.

As for the men, only the Securities and Exchange Commission decreased in their standing. It fell 5.20 percent. Otherwise, the men have really started to enjoy the Transportation Department compared to last year. The satisfaction of the department’s men jumped 22.20 percent. Treasury and the Social Security Administration satisfaction ratings improved in double-digit form, according to the survey.