Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA)
Senator Steve Daines (R-MT)
Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA)
The office of Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) has had a positive and productive workplace environment on their agenda since Rep. Houlahan was sworn in 2019. Upon her entry to Congress, the office offered 12 weeks of paid parental leave (before it was the norm). Similarly, all staff received a laptop and was invited to telework whenever their schedule allowed (before it was the norm or required by COVID). Everyone in the office received four weeks of paid leave plus an additional week of paid leave for community service. The office benchmarks salary data across Congress and everyone receives at least the median salary for their position. Additionally, they conduct an annual anonymous all-staff survey based on the Great Places to Work methodology, the results of which are taken seriously and acted upon to make improvements across the organization. They have a Staff Working Group which makes recommendations to senior staff, many of which have been implemented, including: limiting internal emails between 8pm-8am; an annual presentation to the team by the Chief of Staff on the office budget and how decisions about spending get made; and adding a standing agenda item to daily calls where junior staff can ask senior staff or Rep. Houlahan questions directly. When the office opened in 2019, they employed the "Rooney Rule" to ensure staff makeup reflected the diversity of the country. In 2020, they hired an outside DEI consultant to conduct all-staff workshops (including the Member, review external documents including their 116th Congress Report to constituents, review internal documents including their staff handbook, and make recommendations for improvement. The office has a policy that before something is purchased for the office from a large online retailer, a good faith effort must be made to purchase from a district-based or Black-owned vendor. All of the Congresswoman's offices have staff that speak Spanish, and the office translates content for social media, the website, and e-newsletters into Spanish and receive additional compensation for that work. The office is intentional about seeking out Black and Hispanic content experts for issue-oriented town halls and other events, and works closely with the HBCU Center in DC, hosting an intern from their inaugural class. They also actively recruit interns from Lincoln University, an HBCU in the district.
Senator Steve Daines (R-MT)
The office of Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) promotes individuality and teamwork, recognizes hard work, and leads by example. Staff participate annually in a performance review system, which includes individual discussions with their direct supervisor, Legislative Director, and/or Chief of Staff (COS). Weekly staff meetings led by the COS and Legislative Director ensure all staff members are aware of immediate goals and long-term goals. DC staff are encouraged to travel to Montana and meet with their state counterpart, constituents, and local organizations to get a better understanding of the issues that impact Montanans. Likewise, state staff are encouraged to visit the DC office so they can work directly with the legislative team on key issues, receive training from the Senate's Office of Training and Development, as well as observe the process of legislation in person. All staff are encouraged to seek professional development opportunities through the Senate's Office of Training and Development programs as well as external training courses. New staff assistants are required to take at least one course a month from the Office of Training and Development. Additionally, the office offers a well-rounded and robust internship program that allows interns to feel part of the team and gives them a chance to learn in a positive environment. Every intern participates in a shadow day with the Senator, allowing interns to attend meetings, hearings, and experience a day in the life of Senator Daines. Even before COVID, the office provided exceptional flexibility regarding work-life balance and the ability to work from home. The office realizes that, at times, it is easier to be productive from home without having to deal with a commute or a noisy office environment. Whether attending an official function or meeting at a local pub, spending time together as a staff strengthens bonds among colleagues. The office annually participates in a competitive bracket for March Madness, hosts a chili contest, holds a Halloween costume contest, participates in the Cherry Blossom Run together and attends an annual Christmas dinner that includes a creative gift exchange. Lastly, during the annual staff retreat in Montana, the Senator hosts an appreciation dinner for staff at his home.
