WORKFORCE
A NEW NORMAL
Younger workers expect a workplace culture that includes telework. (Photo by Getty Images)
I’m a big proponent of all that Microsoft Teams has brought to our workforce, and how it has enabled us to continue to build and strengthen our relationships.
EMBRACING FLEXIBILITY Before COVID-19, telework was seen as a luxury oftentimes out of reach for many in our workforce. Now we’re seeing a discus- sion around the expansion of remote work and increased flexible work schedules.
DOD and Army senior leaders recognize the tremendous accomplishments that have occurred in this recent full-time tele- work environment. As we’ve invested in tools like Microsoft Teams and are real- izing cost savings from reduced leased space and transportation subsidies, lead- ership is taking those lessons learned and
implementing them into what will look like a hybrid work environment for many.
Within the U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center, we’re re-looking across the organi- zation to determine which positions, based on position description, roles and duties, may lend themselves to remote work. I believe it’s important to do an honest and fair review of the position description to determine if making the position remote makes sense and truly doesn’t require time in the office. For some jobs, like those in a headquarters that require interaction and transactions, remote might not make sense. Whereas fielders and equipment trainers, who travel most of the year, just need to be close to a major airport. Remote work has proven benefits. For example, a two-year study found that U.S. Patent and
Trademark Office staff who were allowed to work from home and work from anywhere were 4.4 percent more produc- tive than their in-office counterparts. As a leader, I’m committed to supporting what makes sense for the position and the orga- nization.
Traditional work schedules also have seen a shift. What was clocking in and out of the office each day has blurred as folks “commute” to their kitchen tables. Work- ing in the D.C. area, long commutes have always been a challenge. Now, many of my employees are getting two or three or even more hours back—hours they would have spent in the car, on the Metro or train. Tey’re starting work earlier or finishing up later. Tey’re able to be there when their child gets home from school, or easily
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