Telework Works for GPO

Telework became an important tool to keep GPO operations moving as the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic hit in March. As an agency, we have proven that telework works. Telework eligible teammates began working remotely immediately. “Since the start of the pandemic, our workload in Creative Services has not slowed down,” says Design Supervisor Amanda Greene. “In fact, we have seen an increase in design requests.” Along with managing her employees, Greene art directs designs and meets with new and existing customers via Skype to discuss potential design projects. She also provides design estimates for projects and coordinates the design and printing process, making sure all design projects stay within budget and on schedule. For example, the Creative Services team worked with the United States Commission on International

Design Supervisor Amanda Greene art directs designs and meets with new and existing customers via Skype to discuss potential design projects.

Lead Customer Account Analyst Momodu Jalloh (Finance and Administration) with his son, Amal.

Religious Freedom (USCIRF) to design their 2020 Annual Report and get them ready for their virtual launch.

Today, many organizations are communicating creatively and using virtual platforms like Microsoft Teams, Skype, GoToWebinar, or Zoom to hold trainings, meetings and events. We are doing the same at GPO. Library Services and Content Management held their Spring Depository Library Council Meeting virtually and had almost 650 registrants from all 50 states, plus D.C. and Puerto Rico. Human Capital transitioned to virtual onboarding for new employees and announced a new and improved Employee Assistance and WorkLife Program. The Office of Workforce Development, Education and Training continued offering classes virtually. Customer Services and the Federal Publishing Council held a virtual meeting that drew over 100 people

Chief of Payroll Operations Faisal Ali helps teammates with their webTA needs.

Supervisory Visual Information Specialist Maureen Nugent continues design work for agency customers.

Kirk Knoll of Customer Services speaks on behalf of GPO at the Federal Publishing Council Meeting. The virtual meeting, which drew over 100 people, gave Federal agencies a chance to discuss their pandemic responses. Chairman of the Federal Publishing Council Pedro Mendez (IRS) attended. The guest speaker was Kim Kadesch of FEMA.

and gave Federal agencies a chance to discuss pandemic responses and challenges they’ve faced during COVID-19. GPO Director Hugh Halpern presented virtually to the United House Committee on House Administration, and the Office of Communications continued to keep employees engaged and informed through social media, GPO Headlines, GPO Leaders’ Update, link, and Typeline. The list goes on and on and proves that we can work effectively and efficiently as a team.

Teleworking increases our productivity and gives us time to focus on projects without distractions. “I’m more productive without all of the constant interruptions of being in the office,” says Lead Customer Account Analyst Momodu Jalloh. “It gives me time to research, analyze, and process our account receivables and work with my team on our operations manual.”

During COVID-19, when all schools closed, parents were also faced with the challenge of having to balance work and e-learning with their children while at home. To help, GPO Director Hugh Halpern approved new telework flexibilities that were added to the GPO Guidance on Medical Assistance, Telework and Leave Flexibilities in Response to Coronavirus Memorandum under paragraph IV. With these additions, supervisors were authorized to allow their employees to use up to 20 hours of weather and safety leave per pay period if they were unable to telework due to schools and daycares being closed. “One of the really great things that Mr. Halpern did was bring in the

Customer Services Project Manager Blake Edwards, Timothy, Benjamin, and Chief of Financial Operations and Analysis Sarah Edwards.

20 hours of leave for families to assist with child care and school related activities. It gives Blake and I a little more flexibility in tag teaming,” says Chief of Financial Operations and Analysis Sarah Edwards whose husband, Blake, works as a Project Manager in Customer Services.

As economies and agencies begin to take steps to reopen in June 2020, telework has become a key tool for companies, agencies and us here at GPO. “Teammates who have been teleworking will continue to do so for the foreseeable future,” said Director Halpern.

Working from home doesn’t stop GPO Lead Program Planner Jon Quandt from getting dressed for the day! During the COVID-19 pandemic, he’s working on govinfo priorities from his home.

GPO’s new Graphic Designer, Sean Downs, is a part of the Communications team and works with Chief Public Relations Officer Gary Somerset, Public Relations Specialist Cat Goergen and Communications Specialists Michelle Overstreet and Heather Lawson on branding and design work for the agency.

Branch Chief of the IT Customer Support Desk Kojo Achampong (above) works from home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Attorney Advisor Craig Barrett does research for the agency while working from home.

Lead Program Planner Matt Landgraf helps meet agency and customer needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Library Services’ Collection Development Librarian Abby McDermott supports GPO’s Federal Depository Library Program and its Cataloging and Indexing Program.

GPO National Account Manager Jeff Horbinski, who works in our Chicago Regional Office, leads a webinar from his home to help Federal employees get up to speed on how to use GPO’s on-demand/quick print service, GPOExpress.