“Guard zealously your right to serve in the Armed Forces, for without them, there will be no other rights to guard.” — President John F. Kennedy
At Compass, we are committed to creating workplaces where all employees can thrive. This includes current service members who balance demanding military commitments with their civilian careers.
As a 19-year Air National Guard veteran, I have firsthand experience with the unique challenges of juggling military and civilian life. It is a balancing act that requires dedication and sacrifice. I am grateful to have worked for organizations like Compass, that truly value my service and have gone the extra mile to support me.
As we celebrate Veteran’s Day, consider the Guard and Reserve employees within your organization. While the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) provides essential legal protections, real support goes beyond legal compliance.
To truly honor your employees who may be serving, consider taking additional steps:
Prioritize Flexibility:
- Adjust work schedules: Accommodate drill weekends, training exercises, and professional military education. When service members are away, they are not on vacation. They often transition directly back to their civilian roles with limited time off. Offer flexible scheduling options to ease this transition.
- Have open conversations: Discuss flexible work arrangements with your service members to understand their specific needs and find mutually beneficial solutions.
Leverage Resources and Stay Informed:
- Understand USERRA: While we encourage employers to go above and beyond the minimum requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), it’s essential to have a solid understanding of these baseline standards. By understanding your obligations under USERRA, employers can respond appropriately and avoid creating unnecessary stress or conflict.
- Connect with ESGR: Less than 1% of the U.S. population serves in the military, and an even smaller percentage serves in the Guard and Reserve. It’s understandable that many employers may not have extensive experience supporting military employees. Fortunately, the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense program designed to assist employers of Guard and Reserve members. ESGR provides valuable resources, training, and guidance on best practices for supporting military employees. By connecting with your local ESGR office, you can gain valuable insights and address any questions or concerns you may have.
Practice Empathy and Understanding:
- Be Genuinely Understanding: When service members need to prioritize their military duties, such as deployments, training, or military school, they are already aware of the potential impact on their civilian work, their colleagues, and the organization overall. Instead of reacting negatively or highlighting potential disruptions, offer your support and work collaboratively to plan for their absence.
- Create a Supportive Culture: Foster a workplace where everyone feels valued and appreciated, regardless of their military status. Treat military leave with the same understanding and support as you would any other significant life event, such as medical leave or family leave.
Ultimately, service members do not seek special treatment. They simply want to fulfill their military duty without compromising their civilian careers. By understanding their unique challenges and proactively providing support, we can create workplaces where veterans feel valued and empowered, creating truly engaged employees.
Reach out to info@wearecompass.com to take your business to the next level.
