DCMA springs forward with wellness initiative

DCMA springs forward with wellness initiative

By Misha King DCMA Public Affairs

Winter is officially over, but springing back into action can be difficult after long months of cold weather, minimal daylight and stressful environments.

In response to a recent agency-wide climate survey, the Defense Contract Management Agency's CARES Council and Total Force Directorate WorkLife Program team are launching a Spring Into Movement wellness initiative to help employees manage stress, boost morale and achieve other agency goals.

"Senior leadership has carefully reviewed the recent Defense Organizational Climate Survey results, and we heard your concerns," said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Babatunji Akande, DCMA's senior enlisted advisor and CARES Council co-chair. "Your feedback is essential, and it guides our efforts to create a workplace where every employee feels supported and equipped to perform at their best. This wellness initiative is one way we can invest in you, your well-being, your sense of community and your continued success."

Melissa Burgess, the agency's WorkLife Program manager, said the three-phase campaign runs from April 1 to June 20 and starts with the Spring Into Movement Step Challenge, which encourages employees to walk and log at least 5K steps daily with the flexibility to use authorized fitness time or their lunch period to meet step goals. Other major activities include the annual Walk to Wellness and a Summer Agency Day Picnic June 18.

"Spring Into Movement offers employees a structured, yet flexible opportunity to participate in wellness activities that build momentum toward major agency events," said Burgess. "The campaign aims to foster a strong sense of community by encouraging participation across all divisions. It strengthens employee connection and supports a positive work environment through visibility, shared progress and friendly competition."

According to Akande, the initiative directly supports DCMA's goals and priorities by promoting employee health, strengthening collaboration, and supporting a positive work environment.

"We truly appreciate the hard work and dedication our people bring to the mission every day," he said. "The CARES Council and WorkLife Program team remain dedicated partners in our workforce's well-being by helping them navigate stress, build healthy habits and stay connected with their colleagues."

Burgess said DCMA employees are encouraged to submit photos of their Spring Into Movement activities to the WorkLife & Wellness team at: [email protected].

For more information and a schedule of all wellness activities, visit the Total Force WorkLife Program webpage (DCMA login required).

DCMA established the CARES Council Sept. 14, 2021, with the mission to openly discuss, identify and implement strategic initiatives to eradicate the impact of sexual assault and harassment, workplace violence, other destructive behaviors and suicide upon the workforce and their families. Destructive behaviors are broadly defined as those inconsistent with the established DCMA Core Values of Integrity, Service and Excellence.