# More presence, purpose as DSCC welcomes workforce

/ Published Jan. 12, 2024
COLUMBUS, Ohio, 
The new year brought change to the Defense Supply Center Columbus. Thousands of associates filled offices, cafeterias and parking lots across the installation in the first week of January, mirroring pre-pandemic on-site population levels. The change follows the announcement last fall of a shift in DLA’s telework posture.

“Overall the return to DSCC has gone well and is starting to pay dividends already,” said Mike Jones, chief of Executive Programs for Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime. “I’ve personally wandered around the cafeteria and witnessed our associates enjoying their lunch break and getting re-acquainted with co-workers they may not have seen for a number of years.”

Many members of Jones’ team, which includes the DLA Pathways to Career Excellence program center, were already regularly on site ahead of the new year. Jones said his initial impressions of the increased presence has been very positive.

“I believe that continued onsite presence will further enhance each of our skills and our processes as we learn from each other and help each other every day,” he said. “Those discussions which we’re having in the cafeteria, the breakrooms, and in the hallways are all part of our culture – the stories we share lead to mentoring opportunities which all enhance our support to the warfighter as well as our personal growth as federal employees.”

Several organizations planned festivities to mark the occasion. DLA Land and Maritime’s Business Process Support directorate hosted a luncheon for staff Jan. 11.

With more employees regularly on site, cultural committees and councils are looking forward to a potential increase in members. DLA Land and Maritime’s Office of Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity continues to recruit Special Emphasis Program committee volunteers to support annual programs and observances.

"SEPs are an essential part of the EEO program and are in place to promote equal opportunity in all areas of employment,” said Penny Copp, Office of Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity Director. “Individuals gain not only experience in planning and implementing special programs and observances, but there is also opportunity to learn and work with the agency’s Affirmative Employment Program and recruiting efforts. While the work can be challenging since it is volunteer-based – in addition to your assigned duties, it helps the agency move the needle in realizing a workplace that provides equal opportunity for everyone.”

Copp said participation is essential to building a cohesive and diverse workplace. 

“We cannot accomplish our mission without people,” she said. “Although we have been away from the physical workplace for quite a while, we need people to further the EEO mission. People who are out in the workplace, who interact with each other in a way that EEO staff members can’t.  We need that!  Each of us brings something different to the table and having new members with new ideas and perspective will give our SEPs a boost and help us develop a more inclusive workplace.” 

Those interested in volunteering are encouraged to reach out to the EEO office. A variety of councils are also actively recruiting members including Toastmasters, the Leadership Development Council and the DSCC Wellness Council. Employees should monitor the Message of the Day and Command Daily Announcements for information.