Agenda

Opening Remarks to the FCW Workshop: Telework - Hybrid and Forever? 

OPM Director Kiran Ahuja will discuss workplace flexibilities like remote work, telework, and flexible work schedules as integral tools for the future of work. Director Ahuja will share details about OPM’s recently updated governmentwide guidance on telework and remote work, and how OPM is helping agencies update their strategic workforce plans and adjust to new work conditions.

Hear from Infoblox during the FCW Telework Workshop

This Air Force Headquarters reduced office infrastructure by 40% and established a hybrid work model following lessons learned during pandemic driven telework.  Col Mantovani will describe how leadership buy-in, strategic communications and a culture of experimentation & innovation are critical to converting any organization to a hybrid work model while still maintaining connectedness, organizational culture and getting the mission done effectively.

The impact of COVID-19 changed the way we work - it showed change can happen rapidly and without warning. So, it’s critical to be able to adapt and rise to the challenge to ensure employees remain engaged and productive. Whether they’re working from home, on-site, or on the road, creating awesome employee experiences helps keep your workforce loyal and motivated. Looking ahead, as restrictions lift and more people come back to the workplace, there needs to be more organization around how people return. This can include preparing the workplace by configuring socially distanced workspaces, automating daily cleaning tasks, providing self-service space reservations, and verify health and vaccine status. Finally, agencies need insight into employee readiness to effectively deliver on the mission and validate employee health, safety, and wellbeing.

A chance to stretch your legs and refill your coffee! 

A look at some of the lessons learned from the working during the pandemic and how agencies are focusing more attention to retention of current employees.  The Biden Administration’s emphasis on requiring agencies to shore up their programs and policies to drive equity forward is prompting every agency to look at how they can use the lessons from the last 2 years to design the “future of work.” 

“Do you believe in miracles?” - this quote was famously exclaimed by sportscaster Al Michaels in 1980 as the US Hockey team rose from their challenges to win Olympic Gold. COVID has presented the Federal workforce with many challenges, and yet, born from these challenges are the miracles of more engaged employees, more work-life balance, more integration for disabled and accessibility-impacted workers, more recruiting from disadvantaged regions, and so many other wins. Zoom’s Government Solutions Lead Stephen Ellis will explore how we turn these wins into long-term foundations for a new Federal culture.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, telework at the Defense Information Systems Agency was limited, increasing during weather events or exercises, but personnel generally worked independently. On-site collaboration occurred in conference rooms, on conference calls and when looking over a colleague’s shoulder at a cubicle. The pandemic changed everything when more than 70% of our worldwide team moved to maximum telework. Out of necessity we changed our processes and defaulted meetings to collaborative video technologies, making a point to include those personnel still on-site. The result: Employees now connect more, collaborate more and most importantly, are consulted more since agency experts are just a click away. This session will cover DISA’s policy, work environment and workplace culture changes spurred by the pandemic and how the agency will continue to harness a new telework culture.

In this session we will share some insights from Microsoft’s own internal Work Trend Index (WTI) analysis, review lessons learned, and share tips and tools for the way forward. 

During the COVID-19 global pandemic, Federal agencies quickly pivoted to telework, remote work, and other workplace flexibilities. The workforce rose to the occasion and demonstrated their resilience. Agencies carried out their missions, and Federal employees continued to perform their jobs at the highest level. After nearly two years of this paradigm, we know telework works, and we know that telework will be an important piece of the hybrid work environment moving forward. 

During this session, we’ll look back at the government-wide experience, uncover key findings and best practices, and discuss how lessons learned will inform the future of work for Federal government. We’ll also talk about how OPM is leading the way in shaping the future of work, setting up the Federal government to be a model employer, and providing agencies with guidance/tools to leverage workplace flexibilities and attract, recruit, and retain the best possible workforce. 

Thank you for joining us for the FCW Telework Workshop!