Veterans wellbeing
Leaving the military and facing civilian life is a daunting thing for many armed forces leavers. Being in the military can mean that people have certain experiences, are accustomed to a certain lifestyle and a particular way of working and living life.
This can make the transition feel difficult, some veterans can find it tough even years after leaving the military or they may have dealt with it fine initially but suddenly started to find it difficult.
However, veterans also have some incredibly useful skills across a huge range of trades, a high work drive, and a talent for dealing with difficult situations with humour and determination.
Employers can take some simple but effective steps to support veterans and encourage what can be an incredibly valuable resource.
Just for fun, here are some common military slang terms you may hear:
- ‘Threaders’ – Angry or fed up.
- ‘Hoofing’ – Excellent or Amazing.
- ‘Gen’ – Genuine or the truth.
- ‘Jack’ – To be selfish.
- ‘Beasted’ – To be physically punished with exercise.
- ‘Buckshee’ – An item going spare or off the record.
- ‘Dit’ – A story, usually exaggerated.
- ‘Redders’ – Meaning too hot or warm.
- ‘Scoff’ – Food.
- ‘Hanging out’ or ‘chins-trapped’ – to be very tired or suffering.
Supporting veterans in the workplace
Support people in the reserves
It’s common that someone may leave the regular armed forces but carry on with the reserves. Employers should have policies which support this, including additional paid leave for reservist duties with no loss of money.
Ask what you can do
There are so many veterans with different experiences, backgrounds and needs that it’s impossible to know what is best for everyone. Simply asking what you can do, as an employer or as a colleague to support them can be really helpful. It might be nothing or it may be something really simple like be aware that a certain date is difficult for them.
There is such a thing as too many questions
The nature of being in the military can mean that veterans have led interesting lives and had some different experiences. There is nothing wrong with wanting to find out but understand that a barrage of questions can be uncomfortable. Avoid questions like “Have you killed anyone?”, “Have you seen someone die?”, “What was the worst thing you saw?” unless they say it’s OK to ask it.
Provide helpful resources
Make helpful resources public knowledge for veterans, you could even have a part of your company intranet for veterans to use. Things like the Career Transition Partnership, Veterans Welfare Service and Combat Stress are a good start.
Weekly Wellbeing Tip
In a difficult situation, focus on your circle of control, these are things we have direct control over. Then is the circle of influence, things you have indirect control over. Then circle of concern which are things you have no control over which you can put to one side to focus on the first two.
