U.S. Secretary of Energy Endorses Ombuds

In a statement to Department of Energy employees last week, Secretary Rick Perry gave his full support for workplace ADR programs and the DOE Office of the Ombudsman.  Perry said that he, "expect[s] all employees, including managers, to incorporate alternative dispute resolution (ADR) techniques in daily interactions so that workplace conflicts do not escalate and become destructive." Rita Franklin been the DOE Ombuds since the role was established in 2012.

Here's the full text of Secretary Perry's statement:

June 1, 2017

MEMORANDUM FOR ALL DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY EMPLOYEES

FROM: RICK PERRY

SUBJECT: Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Secretarial Statement

The Nation's security and energy prosperity is dependent on our success. I commend your dedication to successfully accomplishing the Department of Energy's (DOE) work in areas spanning from nuclear security and environmental cleanup to scientific research. I am honored to join you at a historic time for America and the energy sector to advance the Department's core missions. My commitment is to continue listening to your ideas and supporting our missions which will yield benefits for future generations.

Undoubtedly, as we seek to synergize, and take advantage of, our diverse perspectives, ideas, and opinions to solve challenging problems, we will encounter different views or conflicting approaches about the best path forward. When managed effectively, such conflict can serve as a catalyst for innovation, growth, and progress. Our success will partly depend on the civility of our discourse as we work to find the best solutions, ensuring that all involved feel heard and valued. It has been my long held belief that it pays to resolve disputes at the lowest level possible. Not only is it good business and the best way to operate, but it is almost always the right thing to do.

I expect all employees, including managers, to incorporate alternative dispute resolution (ADR) techniques in daily interactions so that workplace conflicts do not escalate and become destructive clashes that may distract us from our mission. DOE has resource organizations to help resolve conflicts constructively at the earliest opportunity. Although participation in ADR is always voluntary for employees, if an employee requests ADR, managers are strongly encouraged to participate, absent extenuating circumstances.

For more information concerning ADR resources available within the Department, contact the ADR Office, at (202) 586-4002 or ADROffice@hg.doe.gov, or the Office of the Ombudsman, at (202) 586-0500. For information on the wide variety of resolution services available at DOE, go to https://hcnet.doe.gov/DOECares.

Related posts: New Ombuds at Sandia; Berkeley Lab Announces New Ombuds Program for Staff; Los Alamos National Lab Posts Interactive Ombuds Report;  Coalition of Federal Ombuds Welcomes New DOE Ombuds; Ombuds Burger and Facilitator Fries; National Renewable Energy Lab Names Ombuds; U.S. Department of Energy Names Associate Ombuds; ACUS Finalizes Recommendation on Use of Ombuds in Federal Agencies.