BATTLE CREEK, Mich. –
Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services has locations all over the world, which creates both a challenge and an opportunity to train the global workforce in person. To ensure all employees are aware of and understand DLA’s commitment to an inclusive and supportive workforce, the Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity Office and Sexual Assault Response Coordinator make it a priority to travel to each site to facilitate training.
Recently, EEO and the SARC made a trip across the Atlantic Ocean to visit sites in Germany and Italy, offering in-person EEO refresher and Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program trainings.
“I think people really feel the impact when they see someone explaining it to them, and they are more likely to ask questions in person,” SARC Krista Nawrocki said. "They can interact with their peers which creates more dialog with their group. This helps us to foot stomp some information that you can’t get from LMS.”
In addition to the individual refresher courses for supervisors and the rest of the workforce, EEO training instructor Kate Lambert-Lee conducted climate assessments at each site.
A climate assessment is a process used to evaluate an organization's EEO practices and culture. It collects data and feedback from employees to gauge their perceptions of the agency’s commitment to EEO principles.
“When we complete climate assessments, we offer time for individual interviews with the employees,” Lambert-Lee said. “Everyone has an opportunity to share comments and solutions. When we provide the opportunity, we allow everyone’s voice to be heard. It helps ensure DLA Disposition Services is an employer individuals want to work for and a place they want to grow their careers.”
Another goal for DLA is to provide a workplace culture free from sexual assault. This is achieved through prevention, education and training, response capability, victim support, reporting procedures, and appropriate accountability that enhances the safety and wellbeing of all DLA employees and visitors.
Nawrocki’s training focused on defining consent, increasing sexual assault awareness and how to support victims of sexual assault, the difference between sexual harassment and sexual assault, and the different reporting options.
"Awareness, education and prevention are not just important, they are absolutely critical in creating a workplace that is free from sexual harassment and assault," Nawrocki said. "By providing training that reinforces the boundaries of acceptable behavior and empowers employees to take action, we can prevent incidents before they occur and create a culture of respect and accountability.”
To learn more about DLA’s SAPR program, visit https://www.dla.mil/Info/SAPR/. To learn more about how EEO supports DLA employees, visit https://www.dla.mil/EEO/.