GAO 2nd in Best Places to Work List

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has been ranked as the number two organization to work for in the federal government for the second year in a row.

The annual “Best Places to Work” rankings released by the Partnership for Public Service placed the GAO second among large federal agencies based on survey responses from employees at federal agencies and subcomponents. GAO received a composite score of 81.6 for employee satisfaction and commitment, a 6.6 percent increase from its 76.6 composite score in 2009. Other factors taken into account include the agency’s efforts to build a cooperative, productive labor-management relationship and foster diversity and an inclusive work environment.

“We have outstanding employees and it is gratifying that they gave the agency high marks in such areas as teamwork, investing in our workforce and supporting family friendly policies,” Gene L. Dodaro, acting comptroller general of the United States and head of the GAO, said in a statement. “I am proud that so many GAO staff hold the agency and its mission to serve the Congress and help improve government in such high regard.”

Only the Nuclear Regulatory Commission ranked higher than the GAO, and only slightly, with an 81.8 composite score. Rounding out the top five were the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in third place with 79.2, the Smithsonian Institution in fourth place with 76.2 and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in fifth place with 74.2 points.