US Department of Labor Employee Review

I have been working at US Department of Labor full-time for more than 10 years

Pros – Sense of patriotic pride. Public service. Meaningful work. Great pay plus a 5% match from government for Thrift Savings Plan (401k). Good health care benefits. $125 monthly transit subsidy to help pay for commute. Steady work in the face of a serious recession. (So far, at least. We will see where our funding goes during the sequester and upcoming budget fights between President Obama and Republicans in Congress.) Getting to work with some of the best and brightest.

Cons – Not respected by taxpayers. Some will even resent you and want to take away some of the good benefits mentioned above. Increasingly, you and your salaary are a political pawn. Government could get shut down over funding issues. You have to live in Washington, DC to perform the job. Have to deal with new poltical appointees every four years -- and you may not agree with their political views and/or the direction they want to take the Agency. The working conditions are Spartan, drab and depressing, depending on the office.

Advice to Senior Management – Listen to the career staff and you will get some good insights and advice. More teleworking opportunities would make staff happier and more productive. Give more flexibility as to the hours one has to be at work. Core hours are 9:30-3:00 Mon-Fri. Should instead be 10:00-2:00.

Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend – I'm not optimistic about the outlook for this company