Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA)

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY)

Representative Donna Shalala (D-FL)

Senator Steve Daines (R-MT)

Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Representative Fred Upton (R-MI)

Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA)

As the 2019 Democracy Awards Winner for Constituent Service, the office of Rep. Ro Khanna delivers the same zeal for a positive and flexible workplace environment as it does dedication to serving constituents - but it didn't start out that way. After his first term, Rep. Khanna and senior staff collaborated on improvements to the standard handbook, including establishing a formal telecommuting policy, offering flex-time for appointments, creating a "no questions asked" policy for mental health days and loosening the dress code on non-session days. To improve communication between the DC and district offices, regular catch-ups occur between staffers on shared projects, and both the district and DC staff participate in a weekly video conference call. The office has had minimal turnover since opening three years ago, and four interns have been subsequently hired as employees. The office pays their interns $15 an hour. Annual self-evaluations for all staff members include an assessment of five performance categories. Following the completion of the evaluation, employees meet with their direct supervisors for discussion. Additionally, the Member provides feedback to supervisors on each employee during the review process. The office celebrates birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions, and staff gather outside the office for board games.

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY)

The office of Rep. Ocasio-Cortez prides itself on a workplace culture of inclusivity, egalitarianism, and social justice. Representing one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the country, her staff is ethnically, racially, and LGBTQ+ diverse, and proficient in seven languages. Each staff member (including interns) has a weekly check-in with their supervisor, and the office has the goal of bi-annual one-on-one meetings for each staffer with the Member. All team members take turns in staffing and leading meetings with the Member. When determining goals for the upcoming year, the Member actively solicits input from the entire office. With a 12-week paid parental leave policy, a 25-day leave policy, formal telework policy, and unlimited sick days, staff are empowered to be effective, productive, and feel appreciated. Junior staffers and interns both receive a living wage ($52,000 a year for junior staff and $15 an hour for interns). All staff and interns in the district office have developed individual six-month plans that include personal development goals. Staff gathers for team dinners after Rep. Ocasio-Cortez's monthly district town halls at a restaurant in the district or at a colleague's home.

Representative Donna Shalala (D-FL)

The office of Rep. Donna Shalala fosters a welcome and positive office environment; all staff members have regular access to the Member. The staff is 70% bilingual, and roughly half of the staff are female. The office provides 12 weeks of paid family leave, 20-day leave policy, 5 sick days as well as 5 days for bereavement leave. The office has a comprehensive annual review process that includes a self-evaluation component and a sit-down meeting between each staffer and their supervisor. The office encourages professional development, and sent their Staff Assistant and Scheduler to a two-day legislative training program last year. The office considers itself a "no drama" zone, handling disagreements in a mature way. Rep. Shalala takes work-life fit seriously, rarely reaching out on weekends, checking on staff when they're ill, and bringing fresh fruit to the office. The office hosts regular staff happy hours, where the Chief pays for the first round or two, celebrates birthdays with cupcakes, participated in the Step Challenge and fielded a team for the ACLI Capital Challenge race last April.

Senator Steve Daines (R-MT)

The 2019 Democracy Awards Winner for Transparency, Accountability & Innovation, the office of Sen. Steve Daines promotes and encourages a positive workplace culture by recognizing hard work, supporting and motivating his team, and highlighting his guiding principle of service to Montana. Since the Senator was elected in 2015, the office has offered 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave and has paid interns even before there was funding in place. Staff participate annually in a performance review system, as well as biannual check-in calls or meetings with the Senator. In both instances, staff are encouraged to seek professional development opportunities through the Senate's Office of Training and Development programs as well as external training courses. Staff communicate via Slack but emphasize the importance of phone conversations instead of long email threads. The office has a teleworking policy, and every intern participates in a shadow day with the Senator, allowing students to attend meetings, hearings, and experience a day in the life of Senator Daines. The office has a competitive bracket for March Madness every year, hosts a chili contest, participates in the Cherry Blossom Run, and attends an annual "staff appreciation barbeque" at the Senator's home back in Montana.

Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE)

The office of Rep. Adrian Smith emphasizes a "Nebraska Nice" approach to their workplace environment, which encourages professional development, staff retention, and work-life fit. Four staff members have been with Rep. Smith since his election in 2007, over half of current staff have been promoted from their original position, and 75% of staffers are originally from Nebraska. With regard to professional development, staff are encouraged to attend training and learning programs as well as educational and networking events related to their legislative portfolios. All staff have weekly one-on-ones with direct supervisors and undergo a mid-year and end-of-year review. The office offers 15 days paid time off, telework options, and comp time for district staff who work weekends. Every intern is provided specific training on office policies and protocols, meets with the Deputy Chief of Staff to learn about office functions, and receives direct training on how to write in the office style. Additionally, interns attend at least one hearing with the Member, have lunch with the Member, and at the end of their time summer interns present why the Member should cosponsor a particular bill. The office recognizes birthdays, plans staff events such as bowling at the White House, and hosts a holiday gift exchange.

Representative Fred Upton (R-MI)

The office of Rep. Fred Upton strives to create a workplace that is vibrant, active, friendly, and respectful. With 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave, a formal telework policy, and minimal staff turnover, the office stands apart in its efforts towards a flexible and accommodating workplace environment. Staff undergo regular evaluations in order to minimize once-a-year review nerves, and the Member is active in providing feedback to staff. The office encourages staff to pursue higher education and is extremely flexible with staff needing to balance work with class schedules. The office is proud to be a pet-friendly office, which gives the office a friendly, relaxed feel. The office's intern program is extremely hands-on, where interns sit in on meetings and events with the Member so that their time on Capitol Hill is memorable as well as educational. It is essential for all staff to understand the roles and responsibilities of their colleagues, so the office encourages district staff to come to DC and vice versa. Outside of professional interactions, the office has an active book club, attends events on the Hill together, and participates in social gatherings after work such as White House tours and the National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony.