To ensure the success of veterans in their workplace, employers should consider creating a plan consisting of clearly defined goals and objectives, showing empathy, and having a consistent communication structure. It’s important to deal with issues as they arise and work with those who are having a hard time at work to see how you can help.
As veterans acclimate to a new way of life after separation from service, they face stresses in the workplace. What was once a rigid structure is now ambiguous, filled with many different structures in varying work environments. Days that used to be filled with physical training, drills, inspections, and combat are now occupied with spreadsheets, reports, meetings, and other activities that are important to business but may feel unfulfilling compared to their previous experiences.
Many companies already have veteran hiring strategies in place because the skills and devotion they bring with them are massively beneficial to employers. Some of these skills include them being entrepreneurial, having high levels of trust and resiliency, advanced team-building skills and many more. Veterans are known to be comfortable and adept in discontinuous environments which helps them adjust to different organizational workplaces. Even though many veterans possess traits essential to companies, it’s essential for employers to understand some of the challenges they sometimes struggle with including adjusting to a different pace of life and work or a new style of communication and social interaction.
The National Center for PTSD found that 6% of the U.S. population and 7% of Veterans will suffer from PTSD during their lifetime¹. There’s currently no one-size fits all approach to helping employees overcome mental distress making it important to remain flexible. Employers need to be able to identify and support challenges veterans may be facing to help their organization become more successful in their attraction and retention strategy.
To ensure the success of veterans in their workplace, employers need to consider creating a plan consisting of clearly defined goals and objectives, showing empathy and having a consistent communication structure. It’s important to deal with issues as they arise and working with those who are having a hard time at work and seeing how you can help.
¹U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, PTSD: National Center for PTSD
