FORT BELVOIR, Va. –
Defense Logistics Agency Vice Director Brad Bunn discussed the agency’s adjusted telework posture and the reasoning behind the changes in a new video interview with DLA Public Affairs.
During the 27-minute video, Bunn expanded on the three main reasons why returning the office is important to DLA’s success: mission performance, professional development and culture.
“While we performed well during the pandemic in spite of having that very virtual workplace, there were some things that were degrading. We are a high-performing organization – we remain a high-performing organization – but the environment has changed,” Bunn said in the video.
Noting that Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin says the country is in a “decisive decade,” now is the time for DLA to step up its efforts to remain successful and continue serving warfighters around the world, he said.
“When you look at things like the conflict in Ukraine, what's going on in the Middle East right now, as well as the pacing challenge in the Indo-Pacific command, these are all converging as significant issues, much of which have to do with the logistics support and sustainment world. So our performance needs to improve to be even better than what we already are,” he said in the video.
Agency leadership recently announced the adjusted telework policy, which requires eligible employees to be onsite for at least 60 percent of their approved work schedules. Approved regular telework days and compressed days off will only be authorized on Mondays and Fridays.
The policy goes into effect for non-supervisory employees Jan. 2 and has been in place for supervisors since Nov. 5.
In the video, Bunn also discussed several related topics, including how the core days in the office were selected, reasonable accommodation requests, situational telework and office space availability.
The video is hosted by DLA Public Affairs Deputy Director Kathleen Rhem.