Reshaping the Workforce

At the heart of our business are the men and women who do the everyday work to keep Virginia moving. We are all transportation professionals, whether we work with computers, engineer bridges, conduct environmental assessments or push snow. As our business continues to evolve and we adopt new technology, and as additional responsibilities change our work, we must continue to train and educate ourselves—and improve the skills that make us successful.

Reshaping the workforce is not about the number of employees, nor is it about which office or district you work in. It is about using our people in the right manner to get the job done — and preparing them with the additional tools and experience to face the demands of tomorrow’s DOT.

Key Goals/Initiatives

“These 2008 Business Plan initiatives represent the next 12 months in our journey. However, they are neither the beginning nor the end of this trip.

"We continue to build on the strengths of our past business planning efforts, and we will be back again next year with the next steps to continue our path.

"Our business plans are not meant to dictate the only things we will work on this year, but rather to guide our day-to-day operations so that we continue to progress toward our overall goal of delivering the best possible transportation solutions to our customers, the citizens of the commonwealth.”

-- Commissioner David Ekern

Implement Project Management and Contract Training

Includes training for project management, contract management, leadership development, and Context Sensitive Solution (CSS) methodology.

Get the Right People, in the Right Places, in the Right Numbers to Get the Work Done

Involves analyzing the workforce to predict and prepare for future demographic and business changes, as well as developing a succession plan to prepare for retirements in executive and key leadership positions.

Implement a Diversity Program

Involves developing a diversity plan that defines expectations of leaders and employees in how we work together; developing programs and communications to nurture an inclusive work environment that values and welcomes employees with diverse perspectives and backgrounds; and, includes analysis, reporting tools and programs that provide management with practical employment solutions and strategies to increase diversity in the workforce.

Improve Workforce Safety Programs

Includes assessing the current safety policies and programs to determine their effectiveness and efficiency; redesigning, developing and implementing a comprehensive workforce safety program that is aligned with the agency’s mission and integrates performance metrics; and developing and implementing programs that reduce lost-time days and accidents by 5 percent.

Implement a VDOT Telework Program (HJR144)

Involves increasing by July 1, 2008, the number of employees who telework or work alternate schedules to 20 percent of the eligible workforce. Also involves setting technology standards and providing Web-enabled access and systems for teleworking.

Why is This Important?

In the next five years, through retirements alone, VDOT faces the potential replacement of a fourth of our workforce. Additionally, there are fewer skilled and professional candidates in the labor market. Meanwhile, the workforce is becoming more diverse. As an agency, we need to plan for these impacts and to ensure that we are able to attract and retain employees with the best experience, education and training for our work. These initiatives address current business needs and prepare our work environment so we are able to attract and retain talent in the future.

How Might This Affect Employees or the Public?

More training in targeted areas will be available. Through the diversity and safety initiatives, we will clarify the expectations of our employees and leaders to preserve and continue to improve safety and enhance the appreciation of the diversity of our workforce. We will develop new roles and skills, such as in land use and systems operations. Teleworking and alternate work schedules will create flexibility and potentially time and cost savings for VDOT and its employees.

Return: < VDOT Business Plan: Fiscal Year 2008 and Beyond

Page last modified: March 7, 2008