FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ODNI News Release No. 23-16  
December 16, 2016

For the eighth consecutive year, Intelligence Community employee job satisfaction ranks the IC as one of the “Best Places to Work in the Federal Government,” according to an independent analysis of federal workers’ job satisfaction and commitment.

The IC finished third overall among large agencies that employ more than 15,000 full-time permanent employees, a category which includes 19 organizations. Rankings were compiled by the Partnership for Public Service and announced yesterday.

Additionally, the IC finished second in teamwork, pay, and effective leadership, and third in employee skills-mission match.

Director of National Intelligence James R. Clapper praised the IC workforce for consistently rising to the challenge during a difficult time for the community and said the ranking is an indication of the IC’s commitment to the mission.

“Our nation’s IC works on some of our toughest challenges and provides accurate and timely information to policymakers on the diverse array of threats facing the world,” he said. “This year’s rankings indicate that IC personnel are not only dedicated to the mission of protecting our country, but are also satisfied with and enjoy their work.”

Stephanie O’Sullivan, the Principal Deputy Director for National Intelligence, accepted the award yesterday on behalf of the director of national intelligence during a ceremony at the National Press Club, in Washington, D.C.

“This award recognizes the professionalism and dedication of a workforce that quietly protects this nation,” she said.

The “Best Places to Work in the Federal Government” rankings offer the most comprehensive assessment of how federal public servants view their jobs and workplaces, providing insights into worker satisfaction and commitment on issues ranging from leadership and pay to innovation and work-life balance.

“Best in class private-sector organizations understand that improved employee engagement leads to better performance and improved outcomes” said Max Stier, Partnership president and CEO. “People are our government’s greatest asset, and the new administration should commit itself to strengthening the federal workforce and improving the workplace culture.”

PPS is a non-profit, nonpartisan organization that aims to revitalize the federal government by transforming the way government works and inspiring a new generation to serve. The institute conducts research and helps federal leaders solve difficult public-policy issues. According to PPS, the Best Places to Work rankings are “the most comprehensive and authoritative rating of employee satisfaction and commitment in the federal government” and “are an important tool for ensuring that employee satisfaction is a top priority for government managers and leaders.”

Rankings are based on data from the 2016 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey which the U.S. Office of Personnel Management administers, as well as from surveys administered by 11 additional agencies plus the Intelligence Community. The first survey was conducted in 2003, but the IC has only participated since 2009 and has been ranked a top place to work every year.

To maintain the security of information about its work force, the IC relies on its own instrument to assess, each year, how its workers feel about issues such as job satisfaction, professional development, and the effectiveness of senior leaders. Beginning in 2009, the IC included several questions from the federal survey provided by PPS in its annual Employee Climate Survey. The Community’s information was then comparable with that from other organizations under consideration for Best Places.

Since the first rankings were produced, they have provided federal managers and leaders with data to help boost employee engagement. Additionally, the results are a resource for current and prospective employees, researchers, and policymakers. More details are available online at http://bestplacestowork.org.

The Director of National Intelligence oversees 17 federal organizations that make up the U.S. Intelligence Community. The DNI also manages the implementation of the National Intelligence Program. Additionally, the DNI serves as the principal adviser to the President on intelligence issues related to national security.