FOR RELEASE
Contact: Janie Sheng (202) 245-0221
12/11/2014 (Thursday)
Janie Sheng
No. 14-18


FedRelay 1 (800) 877-8339
www.stb.gov
FOR 6th YEAR, SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD RANKED BEST SMALL AGENCY IN FEDERAL GOVERNMENT


For the sixth consecutive year, the Surface Transportation Board has been ranked No. 1 among small federal agencies by the Partnership for Public Service (PPS) in its 2014 Best Places to Work in the Federal Government rankings. The Board’s continued recognition for this distinction is noteworthy in light of the Partnership’s overall findings of declining federal employee satisfaction numbers.


On the Board’s ranking, STB Chairman Daniel R. Elliott III said,

“This award demonstrates that our approach to hiring the best people and providing them the opportunity to innovate, problem-solve, and work hard toward common goals—while at the same time maintaining work-life balance—is both wise and proven. The 2014 recognition reflects the continuing effort of our managers to provide an open workplace encouraging a team approach to the agency’s important work concerning major transportation issues.”


Among the more than 389 federal organizations ranked according to the views of more than 392,700 civil servants concerning employee satisfaction, commitment, and workplace issues, the Board achieved the top index score of 86.8, an improvement of 2.1 points over the agency’s 2013 score of 84.7.


The STB, which currently has 138 employees, is charged with the economic regulation of America’s freight railroads, with additional economic responsibilities for other surface transportation modes and passenger rail. While the STB’s decisions are independent, the agency is administratively associated with the U.S. Department of Transportation. The STB’s workplace policies foster a work-life balance through telecommuting and flexible work schedules and facilitate an open-door management environment that encourages creativity. This workplace environment helps retain skilled workers and recruit top-tier job candidates.


The Partnership’s findings can be viewed at http://bestplacestowork.org/BPTW/index.php


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