Live, virtual and video technology is helping Defense Logistics Agency Energy bridge the interpersonal communication gap during maximum telework.
DLA Energy Commander Air Force Brig. Gen. Jimmy Canlas and Deputy Commander Eric Smith used Microsoft Teams and video to talk with employees, recognize recent employee accomplishments, provide updates on COVID-19 reconstitution status, announce the upcoming Denison Culture Climate Survey, and personally answer employee questions.
“When I took command, one of the things I was most looking forward to was meeting all of you,” Canlas said. “I have obviously had to adjust that expectation given the COVID-19 pandemic.”
As we embrace the new normal, it is important that we use various forms of technology to collaborate, meet "in person" and build relationships, he said.
More than 175 DLA Energy supervisors joined the Microsoft Teams conversation to engage with the leaders. After the live, virtual event, Canlas and Smith recorded a video that was distributed to the more than 1,200 employees worldwide.
“In the future, I hope to make the all hands more virtual,” Canlas said. “While we may not be able to accommodate everyone in a live discussion, we can push the limits of the tools DLA provides to maximize personal interaction.”
Employees with a Common Access Card can watch the video in DLA’s eWorkplace site.