IM/IT Considerations when Returning to the Workplace

November 9, 2021 - Defence Stories

When the pandemic hit, Defence Team members demonstrated great flexibility and resilience by quickly adapting to new technologies and working conditions, all while continuing to deliver Defence’s mandate during an unprecedented time. This time has presented many challenges, but with patience and perseverance we’ve come a long way together.

With the release of the DM/CDS Directive on the DND/CAF Reopening Strategy, and as the Defence Team gradually increases our presence in DND/CAF facilities, we understand the return to the workplace will raise questions on how we will use our new and pre-pandemic IM/IT resources in this transformed and evolving work context.

To help answer the most common IM/IT questions, ADM(IM) has prepared a list of Frequently Asked Questions. Below are some of the key IM/IT considerations for returning to the workplace:

Defence 365 (D365)

• D365 is now permanently available to all Defence Team members! This powerful new tool complements the existing enterprise network’s Virtual Private Network (T-DVPNI) and will continue to be improved to support the work you’ve always done, while facilitating improved collaboration and remote work.
• You can continue to connect to D365 via a personal device, government issued phone, or through the DWAN to complete work and collaborate with colleagues in the workplace and from home.
• Note that for now, D365 can only be used to store transitory information with no business value and at a sensitivity of Protected A or below.

Network

• You can expect that bandwidth will be the same at the office as it was prior to the pandemic.
  • To help preserve bandwidth and enable everyone to access our networks, we recommend such practices as reducing video and using audio only for MS Teams calls or using boardrooms for video meetings.
  • Take a look at Shared Services Canada’s Tips and Tricks for more suggestions on reducing use of bandwidth and other great practices.

• You will be asked to regularly update DWAN passwords, either during a DWAN session or through Self-Serve Password Reset.

IT Assets and equipment

• The majority of personnel with Government of Canada issued tablets or laptops will use them as their workstations, whether working in the office or remotely. If you are using a DND-issued tablet or laptop and you work in an area where those are permitted, you will not receive a second device.
• You may purchase a second mouse, keyboard, or additional monitors at your own expense for use with your DND-issued device in a secondary location. During the pandemic, you were provided a primary workstation, and these should be used wherever you do the majority of your work.

If your IM/IT related question has not already been answered on the Defence Team COVID-19 FAQs page or the IM/IT FAQ page , please reach out to your supervisor, who can guide and support you. If that is not an option, you can submit your question through the Ask Anything: COVID-19 submission box.