Open discussion for federal employees to improve workplace Published Dec. 10, 2009 By Staff Sgt. John Gordinier 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- All Shaw federal employees, with the exception of contracted, AAFES and Defense Commissary Agency employees, have a unique opportunity to openly discuss workplace and workforce practices and improvements here Jan. 4 to 7 at the education center, building 501. "We will meet in small, assigned groups, utilizing the skills of trained military facilitators," said Debra Whitehorn, 20th Comptroller Squadron budget analyst. "Supervisors, management and work force from the same chain of command will not be assigned to the same groups. This will help promote open discussion, ensure anonymity and non-attribution of all members within the group discussion." The mandatory meeting times and dates are as follows: Jan. 4 at 8 a.m. - last name starting with A through Cab Jan. 4 at 1 p.m. - last name starting with Cag through Dun Jan. 5 at 8 a.m. - last name starting with Ea through Hea Jan. 5 at 1 p.m. - last name starting with Hec through Lin Jan. 6 at 8 a.m. - last name starting with Lis through Nov Jan. 6 at 1 p.m. - last name starting with Os through Sag Jan. 7 at 8 a.m. - last name starting with Sal through Thor Jan. 7 at 1 p.m. - last name starting with Thr through Z "Upon entering the education center, please check the charts for your assigned room," Whitehorn explained. "Lists will also be posted on the doors in rooms 217, 218, 219A, 219B, 223 and 224." Some things to think about are: What are your concerns, what about facilities, equipment, work environment and funding? What makes your daily work life flow? What causes problems? Do you have a past practice from another base that you'd like to see implemented to improve conditions at Shaw? Issues will not be settled at the meeting, Whitehorn added. "You will be using brainstorming skills such that every employee's concerns and suggested improvements can be presented to the 20th Mission Support Group commander," she said. "We need your participation to make this work. This mandatory meeting has been coordinated with civilian personnel and the federal employees union. We appreciate your hard work and want each of you to have a voice in this concerted effort to make Shaw a better place to work and live," concluded Whitehorn.