ATLANTA - As our nation forges democracy and freedom abroad while enduring financial challenges at home, government employees must make sacrifices to support our nation's success.
Curtailing the cost of energy, supplies, services and training are key to managing how we defend our nation and provide services to our warfighters and their Families.
Commanders, directors and staff share the responsibility of providing the best services possible while efficiently managing our limited resources.
Many of us work in aging buildings that might benefit from a few minor improvements. For the most part, these buildings are in good condition.
I encourage building managers to seek out energy efficient improvements and contact Directorate of Public Works/Directorate of Logistics to implement them, as our budget allows.
Consider replacing or caulking broken windows.
Replace inefficient incandescent light bulbs with energy efficient fluorescent bulbs and add timers to light switches. Insofar as it is consistent with safety requirements, encourage employees to turn off lights when not in use.
Use Energy Star appliances and unplug appliances not in use. As we transition from cooler to warmer months, dress in layers, adding or removing layers as the temperature adjusts.
You can increase air flow by opening windows and using portable fans instead of your air conditioner.
We all need paper, pens and other basic supplies to accomplish our missions. Remember to purchase only what is needed, and comb your organization for office supplies that may be tucked away.
Avoid hoarding supplies. Eliminate the cost of printer cartridges by printing to centrally contracted copiers.
Statistically, about 85 percent of office paper is currently discarded, with more than seven million tons discarded in the U.S. every year. Further minimize the cost of paper and printing supplies by printing only necessary documents.
Help limit the cost of postage by sending documents via e-mail message when circumstances permit.
Additionally, by ensuring recycling bins are located close to printers and copiers, we can help to make sure that all proper materials get recycled.
Keeping up with the busy pace of work and life is a challenge for us all. Most of us use some sort of calendar to inform us of appointments.
Consider electronic calendars as an alternative to paper calendars. As we endeavor to provide quality services to Soldiers, Family members and retirees, managers should ensure staff members are available to customers.
Supervisors should review employee work schedules and customer service hours to ensure maximum services are provided when large volumes of customers are anticipated.
To avoid wasted trips or repeat appointments, directors should ensure customer service hours and other important information are posted on the garrison Web site, at building entrances and on telephone voicemail messages. Customer service representatives should also provide customers with any necessary information or documents in advance of appointments to ensure customers are adequately prepared to receive services.
Ensuring customers receive the right service on the first visit saves us all time, money and energy.
As base closure approaches, supervisors should give careful consideration to employee work hours and the submission of awards.
All of our hard-working staffs deserve recognition; unfortunately, not all are able to receive monetary awards. Supervisors should consider both monetary and honorary awards when nominating employees for recognition.
Supervisors should also consider whether a time off award can substitute for a monetary award.
Training is a necessity to meet mission requirements and keep us abreast of changes in how the DoD operates, trains and manages resources.
Resource limitations nonetheless require a balance between when and how training is provided and the cost of providing it.
Supervisors should give careful consideration to the overall cost of conducting training. Cost analysis should consider distance education and local training venues as an alternative to extended temporary duty.
When providing training to a group of personnel, consider bringing the trainer to your location.
Also, consider sending one staff member to training and having that individual provide training to other employees upon return.
Limit mileage and parking costs by using local transportation, such as MARTA or government vehicles.
With your help, we can all conserve resources and accomplish the very important missions of defending our nation and supporting the warfighter. Remember, every little bit helps!
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