Creating strategies for companies to use when the economy is in a recession is no easy feat, but it should be simple to provide our veterans with what they need when they come back home explains Peter Decaprio.
It’s not clear whether or not companies even realize the magnitude of their involvement in this situation, but first things first.
Here are five ways that employers can help out our returning soldiers.
1. Hire Them
There’s a good chance that many of these men and women have left their jobs to serve the country. They may need time to find a job after they return home, but it is definitely happening at a much faster rate considering that there are over 2 million people unemployed right now.
No one should be considered “unemployable” because of military service, if anything employers should consider this as an asset, not a liability. Job skills can change from training received during time in the service – especially for those who have been deployed – and considering how quickly unemployment numbers rose, having someone who has served the nation could give them a competitive edge against other applicants.
2. Educate Their Spouses or Significant Others
Employers need to understand that those who leave their spouses behind to serve may not return to the same relationship they had before. This doesn’t always mean that something is wrong with the marriage, but rather it can cause stress and friction within says Peter Decaprio.
Spouses have a hard enough time managing a household with two incomes – or even one if they have been covering for the other’s absence – so it will certainly be a challenge when just one half is present. Providing extra perks for spouses such as daycare, healthcare and discount programs could be beneficial in more ways than expected by helping replenish some of those funds spent during deployment.
3. Respect Their Need for Assistance
Mental disorders from war are now being realized as major medical conditions which require treatment through counseling sessions, medication or even therapy. These conditions can be extremely debilitating and impact the returning soldier’s ability to attain good, long-term employment.
Many different organizations are available for this sort of assistance. But it is still up to employers to look out for these men and women who made great sacrifices in order to serve our country. There are now laws that protect veterans from discrimination or termination because of these disorders. So there shouldn’t be any reason not to provide them with all of the tools they need in order to be back on their feet.
4. Be Flexible With Their Schedules
Times may change due to deployments or even training. Which took place during deployment (especially with those soldiers who return injured). But many veterans will try their hardest not to miss work just because of the impact on their finances.
This is where employers can show even more compassion and be understanding of these men and women. Who may have missed out on promotions or advancements since leaving for service. If they spent six, nine, or twelve months deployed. Then it is likely that they did not receive any raises during this time. And will need to work their way up all over again when returning home.
5. Keep Them in the Know!
Even though we live in a global world full of technology, some companies still communicate with employees. Without utilizing available resources such as Skype or voice chat technology like Ventrilo. Even if veterans don’t use them while deployed (especially those who are sent into areas without Internet access). There’s no reason why they should be excluded from the latest office gossip when they return.
Unless veterans are seriously struggling with their mental health or social status in the workplace, keep them updated on any changes that may affect them while deployed (promotions, new hires, etc.). Many times this can be done through casual conversations during daily breaks or at lunch says Peter Decaprio. They will appreciate it much more if they feel included. Rather than left out of everything going on around them after being gone for so long.
Employers should go out of their way to accommodate veterans. Who has decided to return home and give them a little extra support. But it is up to the veterans themselves to take advantage of many programs available through organizations. Such as in order to make the transition back much smoother for everyone involved.
It makes no difference whether somebody served during World War II. Or if they put on the uniform again after September 11th, 2001; all veterans deserve our appreciation and respect when they return from service.
Conclusion:
By going the extra mile and truly caring for our men and women who serve. Employers can make a huge difference in their lives. Many of whom have felt neglected after being away from the daily grind for so long explains Peter Decaprio.
They may be a little rusty with technology or even company policies. But there are ways to overcome that as well by finding additional support within the organization. Which could help them catch up much faster.
