Federal workers have spoken, and the results are in… some government workplaces are thriving, while others need serious improvement. The latest survey from the Partnership for Public Service and Boston Consulting Group reveals where federal employees are happiest - and where they’re not.

The Survey: What Matters Most?

Last summer, federal employees across the nation were asked three key questions about their jobs:

• Would you recommend your workplace to others?
• How satisfied are you with your job?
• How satisfied are you with your agency overall?

These responses shaped the rankings of 17 large federal agencies - those with 15,000 or more employees - giving us a clear picture of the best and worst places to work in the U.S. government.

Top 5 Federal Agencies to Work For

1. NASA

For the 12th year running, NASA takes the crown as the best federal agency to work for. With top marks in pay, leadership, and overall job satisfaction, it’s no wonder NASA employees are over the moon about their workplace.

2. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

HHS clinches second place, thanks to its mission-driven focus on public health. While it excels in many areas, there’s room for improvement in pay and diversity - two spots where NASA still outshines it.

3. Intelligence Community

The Intelligence Community (made up of the CIA, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and 16 other elements within other departments, including the FBI, which is part of the Department of Justice) secures third place, known for offering a solid work-life balance and strong leadership. However, it falls slightly short in overall performance and leadership empowerment, leaving room for growth.

4. Department of Commerce

Commerce lands in fourth place, scoring well on overall satisfaction. Still, the agency struggles with leadership empowerment and innovation, and its work-life balance needs improvement.

5. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

The VA rounds out the top five, earning high marks for its commitment to veterans. However, leadership, work-life balance, and innovation are areas where the agency could step up its game.

The 5 Worst Places to Work in the Federal Government

5 and 4. Department of State and Department of Navy (Tied)

Both the Department of State and the Navy are treading water in employee satisfaction, particularly struggling with leadership and innovation.

3. Department of Justice (DOJ)

The DOJ ranks 15th, facing criticism for its leadership and overall work environment. Employees are less than thrilled with their day-to-day.

2. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

DHS receives low marks in leadership and work-life balance. Employee morale is in desperate need of a boost.

1. Social Security Administration (SSA)

The SSA comes in last place. With plummeting scores and a “customer service crisis,” the agency is struggling to keep its workforce engaged and motivated.

The Bottom Line

NASA continues to soar above the rest, setting the gold standard for federal workplaces, while agencies like the SSA and DHS have some work to do. Effective leadership, innovation, and a better work-life balance are key to turning things around and making these federal agencies places where employees want to be.

References: The 5 best - and worst - places to work in the U.S. government, according to federal workers | Social Security Worst Government Department to Work in, New Ranking Shows | Members of the IC