Vantaggi
Generally quiet office with open-concept feel (no cube boxes to be stuck in). Friendly employees, and great programs to try and get involvement and morale up - popcorn fridays, almost monthly events involving food (usually free unless to raise money for charity). Yoga and insanity exercise classes from lifetime fitness instructors for free after work every week. Free parking close to new silver line metro station with short drive to Reston town center for food opportunities. Depending on the department, the career development plans have been improving greatly.
Svantaggi
Management (especially upper) has a hard time seeing that they need to set examples - get frustrated when employees don't get involved or don't go to events that they never attend themselves. Some upper management is an exception, but in general they do not see the value in taking 5 minutes to lead by example. HR has been a mess since I've been here - low retention of employees and lack of organization causes some hostility between hiring managers and HR department. Many employees have mindset of the company "owing" them for working there, therefore will not be involved in charity events, or anything that would involve a monetary donation or anything where free food or items aren't involved. Terrible health insurance – wish they’d use better companies for health and dental.