Best Companies in the Public Sector Industry
American Cancer Society
Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Staff members describe a mission-focused environment that blends job security, social responsibility, and innovation. They note that leadership encourages diversity, inclusion, and professional growth, while benefits and paid leave support healthy work-life balance. Compensation is considered fair for the non-profit sector, and employees feel motivated by opportunities to contribute to meaningful public health outcomes in a supportive culture.
The Aerospace Corporation
Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees highlight a collaborative and professional culture shaped by its role as a federally funded research and development center. They report confidence in job security and say projects are innovative and nationally significant. Compensation and benefits are viewed as competitive, and leadership provides opportunities for growth while reinforcing a strong sense of purpose and social responsibility.
BAE Systems, Inc. (U.S. Headquarters: Arlington, VA)
Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Staff members value the balance between professional responsibilities and personal time, supported by flexible scheduling. They report job security from the company’s focus on defense and describe leadership as encouraging and growth-oriented. While some mention room for improvement in pay transparency, most view benefits and compensation as competitive. Innovation and social responsibility are consistently cited as positive elements of the culture.
Booz Allen Hamilton
Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees describe a supportive workplace where opportunities for career development are abundant. They point to strong benefits, competitive pay, and flexible schedules that support work-life balance. Leadership is seen as approachable and engaged, and the firm’s commitment to innovation and social responsibility strengthens employee pride. Job security in serving government clients is also an important factor in overall satisfaction.
CACI International
Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Staff members emphasize collaboration and flexibility, noting policies that promote work-life balance. Leadership is described as open to ideas and supportive of professional development. Employees feel secure in their roles tied to national security missions, while compensation and benefits are regarded as fair. Innovation and social responsibility programs add to the sense of pride in contributing to the public good.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees report pride in working within a mission-driven organization that advances cancer research and treatment. They describe a collaborative environment with strong leadership and abundant opportunities for professional development. While workloads can be demanding, benefits and pay are viewed as competitive. Job security and a culture of innovation reinforce satisfaction, with social responsibility cited as a motivating factor.
Department of Commerce
Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Staff members describe a positive culture reinforced by flexible scheduling and supportive policies. They report competitive pay, solid benefits, and a strong sense of job stability. Opportunities for professional growth are present across multiple offices, and employees note that innovation and social responsibility are woven into the department’s mission-driven work.
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees highlight a mission that directly supports national well-being, contributing to strong job satisfaction. They describe flexible work schedules, robust benefits, and supportive leadership that prioritize work-life balance. Compensation is considered competitive, and the department offers many avenues for career development. Innovation, social responsibility, and the security of federal employment make HHS a consistently valued workplace.
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Staff members describe deep pride in serving veterans, emphasizing a strong sense of social responsibility. They appreciate the stability and comprehensive benefits of federal employment, alongside clear opportunities for growth. Leadership quality varies by location, but where effective, it fosters collaboration and innovation. Employees report that job security and meaningful mission work remain key reasons for satisfaction.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees emphasize the mission-driven focus on protecting health and the environment as a major source of satisfaction. They report job stability, generous benefits, and flexibility that promote work-life balance. Although bureaucracy can pose challenges, opportunities for professional growth, innovation, and effective leadership are seen as contributing to a rewarding experience.
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Staff members describe strong teamwork and effective leadership that support both collaboration and growth. They report satisfaction with flexible policies, competitive compensation, and benefits that provide job security. Work at FERC is viewed as innovative and socially responsible, contributing to the nation’s energy infrastructure and overall employee satisfaction.
General Dynamics
Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees describe pride in supporting national defense and aerospace innovation. They report that leadership promotes honesty and trust, offering development opportunities and career growth. Compensation and benefits are regarded as fair and comprehensive, with flexible scheduling that supports work-life balance. Staff members also highlight social responsibility and adaptability as strengths.
General Services Administration (GSA)
Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees report high satisfaction with flexible telework options and adaptive scheduling that support work-life balance. They view pay as fair and federal benefits as comprehensive. Staff highlight opportunities for career growth, innovation in government services, and effective leadership that promotes a culture of social responsibility and collaboration.
Government Accountability Office (GAO)
Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Staff members highlight collaboration, integrity, and respect as defining features of GAO’s culture. They describe excellent work-life balance through flexible schedules and telework. Compensation and benefits are seen as strong, supporting job security. Employees report that leadership fosters innovation and provides growth opportunities, while the socially responsible mission adds to workplace satisfaction.
Houston Methodist
Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees describe a culture centered on compassionate care and collaboration. Leadership is regarded as supportive and respectful, providing opportunities for growth. Staff note competitive compensation and benefits that ensure stability and well-being. Innovation in healthcare and a strong focus on social responsibility, combined with work-life balance, contribute to overall satisfaction.
Leidos
Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Staff members highlight inclusivity and collaboration in the culture, where they feel respected and supported. Employees appreciate flexible work policies, strong benefits, and competitive compensation. They report job security in serving critical federal missions and opportunities for career advancement. Leadership is described as ethical and socially responsible, reinforcing satisfaction with the workplace.
Lockheed Martin
Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees emphasize a sense of purpose and security in contributing to national security and aerospace innovation. They describe a culture that supports respect, collaboration, and growth through leadership development programs. Compensation and benefits, particularly family support, are viewed positively. Innovation, adaptability, and leadership contribute to high satisfaction alongside healthy work-life balance.
Mayo Clinic
Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Staff members describe pride in contributing to a patient-centered mission. They highlight teamwork, mutual respect, and leadership committed to innovation. Benefits and compensation are considered competitive, and job security is reinforced by the institution’s strong reputation. Employees also note ample opportunities for professional development and a focus on work-life balance that supports overall well-being.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees describe a mission-driven culture centered on cancer research and treatment. They report satisfaction with collaborative teams, strong leadership, and opportunities for learning and growth. Compensation and benefits are seen as fair, and despite the demanding work, staff members feel secure and supported. Innovation and social responsibility are consistently cited as sources of pride.
The MITRE Corporation
Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Staff members report a sense of purpose in addressing complex, mission-critical public sector challenges. They describe a culture of collaboration and innovation led by supportive leadership. Employees value job security through federally funded work, competitive pay and benefits, and numerous opportunities for career growth. Social responsibility and work-life balance round out the reasons for satisfaction.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees describe high levels of pride in supporting a mission of exploration and innovation. They highlight teamwork, curiosity, and respected leadership as defining cultural elements. Staff appreciate job security, federal benefits, and flexible schedules that support work-life balance. While compensation may differ from private sector benchmarks, opportunities for growth and the socially responsible mission are seen as key positives.
Navy Federal Credit Union
Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Staff members describe a mission-driven culture focused on serving military families. They report supportive leadership, career development opportunities, and a healthy work-life balance. Compensation and benefits, including retirement plans, are viewed positively. Employees value job security and the organization’s strong sense of social responsibility, noting that leadership generally encourages engagement and accessibility.
Northrop Grumman
Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees emphasize purpose and stability from working on defense and aerospace technologies. They describe a culture of innovation and inclusion with mentorship and training opportunities for growth. Compensation and benefits are seen as competitive, with flexible scheduling supporting work-life balance. Leadership and social responsibility are regarded as strengths that add to workplace satisfaction.
RAND Corporation
Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Staff members describe intellectually engaging work that shapes public policy, supported by a culture of objectivity and innovation. They highlight respected leadership, career development opportunities, and a strong sense of job security. Compensation and benefits are seen as competitive for the non-profit sector. Employees value social responsibility and balance between professional and personal life.
SAIC (Science Applications International Corporation)
Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees describe a collaborative culture that prioritizes flexibility and balance. Leadership is seen as supportive, and staff note opportunities for advancement. Compensation and benefits are viewed positively, and innovation initiatives add to the sense of purpose. Job security in federal contracting and social responsibility programs contribute to employee satisfaction.
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Staff members describe the SEC as providing meaningful and socially responsible work. Employees report job security, competitive pay, and strong benefits, including retirement plans. They highlight a professional, stimulating culture guided by respected leadership. Opportunities for career development and policies supporting work-life balance reinforce positive perceptions of the agency.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees describe a mission-driven workplace focused on saving children’s lives. They highlight strong leadership, innovation, and collaboration across teams. Staff report satisfaction with exceptional benefits, competitive compensation, and stable employment. Social responsibility, opportunities for growth, and a balanced approach to work and personal life are cited as key reasons for satisfaction.
U.S. Federal Reserve System
Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees emphasize meaningful contributions to economic stability as a central motivator. They describe a professional, intellectually rigorous environment supported by strong leadership. Pay and benefits are considered highly competitive, and job security is a consistent positive. Staff members also note opportunities for career development, innovation, and the organization’s clear social responsibility as reinforcing workplace satisfaction.