黑料不打烊

This content is sponsored by GAP Solutions.

For GAP Solutions, being recognized for providing an exceptional workplace starts with listening to the very people who make up the organization.

The Herndon, Virginia-based federal contractor has been named a top workplace in the D.C. region for the sixth consecutive year, earning the distinction through the Top Workplaces program conducted by Energage in partnership with 黑料不打烊 News.

It’s an award based entirely on employee feedback collected through the Energage Workplace Survey, which measures key aspects of workplace culture, including whether employees feel respected and empowered.

The nature of the award is what makes it especially meaningful, according to GAP Solutions President Diane Pairel.

“It is led by the employees themselves, and that is the most important part,” said Pairel. “The surveys go out, the feedback comes in, and it’s real, honest feedback.”

Rather than viewing the survey as an annual report card, GAP Solutions uses employee feedback throughout the year to shape workplace policies, benefits and communication strategies.

“We look closely at the responses, and wherever there’s constructive feedback, we really dive into it,” Pairel explained. “It’s led to several changes over the years, whether that’s improvements to our benefits or changes in how we communicate with employees.”

The company has also used employee feedback to strengthen its benefits package in the D.C. region鈥檚 extremely competitive labor market.

One example was redesigning the company’s 401(k) program based on employee feedback and a commitment to providing a retirement benefit that reflects leading industry practices. GAP Solutions’ 401(k) plan is now closely aligned with leading benchmarks for employers in our industry.

鈥淥ur employees have a voice in how we evolve as an organization,鈥� said Pairel. 鈥淲e actively listen to their feedback and turn feedback into meaningful improvements that enhance their experience and well-being.鈥�

Founded in 1999, GAP Solutions supports federal agencies with expert human capital, scientific, public health, and operational solutions across health, national security and civilian missions.

Creating a sense of community

Maintaining a strong company culture requires some creativity when employees are spread across multiple locations.

Like many federal contractors, the company has employees working at government facilities, remote locations and customer sites, creating unique challenges when it comes to keeping everyone on the same page.

Program managers play a critical role in bridging that gap by serving as the connection between employees working in the field and the company’s leadership.

“They’re the link between our employees and the corporate office,” said Pairel. “Whether the feedback is about benefits, payroll, expense reports or the systems we’re using, our program managers are constantly sharing that information with company leadership so we can keep making improvements.”

The company organizes in-person gatherings for employees located near one another, including many who work along Maryland’s Interstate 270 corridor supporting the National Institutes of Health.

For employees working remotely, GAP Solutions hosts virtual happy hours, lunch-and-learn sessions and video gatherings focused on conversations and work relationships rather than professional presentations.

“It doesn’t always have to be formal,” said Pairel. “Sometimes it’s just about sharing success stories, talking with one another and maintaining those connections.”

Building careers, strengthening trust

Professional development is another priority for GAP Solutions.

Its workforce spans a wide range of disciplines, from scientific and public health professionals to federal human resources specialists.

Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, the company tailors development opportunities to individual career paths.

“We really try to sit down with each employee, understand their specific career goals and provide the support they need to achieve them,” said Pairel.

Communication has become especially important during periods of uncertainty in the federal contracting industry.

In 2025, many contractors supporting agencies such as the National Institutes of Health faced significant challenges because of major changes within the federal government, making transparency with employees even more critical.

鈥淲e鈥檝e learned that open, honest communication builds trust and strengthens our culture,鈥� said Pairel. 鈥淲hen employees feel informed and heard, they鈥檙e better equipped to navigate change and support one another as a team.鈥�