Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives are created to promote a workplace where individuals — regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, and physical abilities — are respected, valued, and provided equal opportunities for growth and advancement. Veterans need to be included within these groups and DEI initiatives.

Each year, about 250,000 service members transition to civilian life. However, the challenges veterans encounter during this critical phase illuminate the importance of fostering a workplace environment founded on principles of DEI to support these individuals better.

# The Importance of DEI in the Workplace

The significance of embracing DEI principles within the workplace goes beyond “doing the right thing.” It serves as the cornerstone upon which a dynamic and thriving work environment is built, ultimately enriching the experiences of every individual involved.

With today's diverse workforce, recognizing and celebrating the unique attributes and experiences of individuals is essential. DEI principles champion the idea that by fostering a workplace that values diversity in all its forms, including the rich tapestry of experiences that veterans bring, you can create an atmosphere where every team member feels seen, heard, and respected.

Let’s examine veterans within the DEI framework of diversity, equity, and inclusion. When you do so, you can first appreciate and recognize the diverse backgrounds, skills, and perspectives they offer. Veterans bring a wealth of experiences forged in the crucible of military service, encompassing unique leadership styles, problem-solving approaches, and unwavering discipline. By acknowledging and leveraging these distinct attributes within the DEI context, organizations can harness the full potential of their veteran employees. 

According to a LinkedIn Veteran Opportunity Report, veterans who enter the workforce with a bachelor’s degree have 2.9x more total work experience than nonveterans with bachelor’s degrees.

Equity, another fundamental aspect of DEI, ensures that all individuals, including veterans, have equal opportunities for growth, advancement, and success within the workplace. Recognizing the specific challenges veterans may face during their transition to civilian roles, organizations can implement targeted initiatives to level the playing field. This not only supports veterans in their journey but also underscores the commitment to equity.

A report by Call of Duty Endowment and ZipRecruiter found that veterans are 15.6% more likely to be underemployed than nonveterans

Inclusion, the third pillar of DEI, fosters a sense of belonging for everyone, including veterans. Creating an inclusive environment means valuing veterans' unique experiences and perspectives and actively involving them in decision-making processes. It also entails providing the necessary support networks and resources to empower veterans to thrive within the organization.

Incorporating DEI principles into the workplace is not just a moral imperative; it’s a strategic imperative that recognizes and embraces the diversity and contributions of veterans and all employees. By weaving DEI into the fabric of the workplace, we not only enrich the work environment but also create a more inclusive and supportive space where everyone, including veterans, can reach their full potential and contribute to the organization's success.

# Veterans’ Transition Struggles

Veterans undergo a life-changing transition as they shift from military service to civilian life, encountering challenges that demand resilience and understanding.

These obstacles encompass:

  • Skills translation
  • Education gaps
  • Cultural adaptation
  • Mental health considerations

Facilitating this transition requires recognizing its complexity and providing robust support.

Skills Translation

Skills translation can be a formidable obstacle for veterans transitioning into the civilian workforce. Veterans possess valuable skills acquired during their military service, from technical expertise to leadership abilities. However, translating these skills into civilian terms can be challenging. Employers and institutions must recognize their value and provide pathways for veterans to apply these skills effectively.

Education Gaps

Education gaps frequently become apparent when veterans decide to pursue additional studies or transition into new career paths. By implementing comprehensive education and training programs tailored to veterans' needs, we can provide them with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the competitive civilian job market. This targeted approach ensures veterans can successfully bridge these educational disparities, ultimately enhancing their prospects for long-term career success and fulfillment in civilian life.

Cultural Adaption

Cultural adaptation represents a significant initial hurdle for veterans. Transitioning from a regimented military environment to a flexible civilian world can lead to feelings of isolation. Addressing these challenges is crucial for facilitating a smoother journey for veterans.

Mental Health Considerations

Mental health struggles are a significant facet of veterans' transition challenges. Veterans often grapple with depression due to a complex interplay of factors that stem from their unique experiences in military service and their transition to civilian life. Exposure to combat and traumatic events during deployment can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition commonly linked to depression. The abrupt shift from the structured and purpose-driven military environment to civilian life can trigger feelings of isolation, loss of identity, and a lack of direction. Moreover, physical injuries, disabilities, and the enduring emotional scars of service can contribute to a sense of hopelessness.

Additionally, the challenges of finding stable employment and financial security and the strain on personal relationships can compound these feelings. Access to mental health services may also be limited for some veterans, exacerbating their struggle with depression. Recognizing and addressing these challenges is essential in providing the support and care that veterans need to cope with and overcome depression.

It's crucial to recognize that when it comes to PTSD, some of the veterans you interact with may be dealing with this condition, even though it might not exhibit itself as portrayed in various movies. For instance, I received a PTSD diagnosis years ago after the tragic loss of my immediate supervisor in Kabul, Afghanistan. This loss has left a deep and enduring impact on my life. Through a combination of medication and therapy, I've effectively managed many of the challenges associated with PTSD. However, there are still specific triggers that can quickly induce a fight-or-flight response within me. I remain vigilant and attuned to these triggers, so others may not readily notice when I'm grappling with them. PTSD is an integral part of my identity, a constant presence that I navigate daily, even when its outward effects remain hidden.

It's crucial to emphasize that PTSD is a condition that extends beyond its association with military service members, affecting individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. While the media often portrays PTSD in the context of combat veterans, it's essential to recognize that traumatic events can occur in various life situations, such as accidents, natural disasters, physical or emotional abuse, and more.

The transition from military service to civilian life is a momentous journey for veterans, one filled with unique challenges and opportunities. Society and institutions must recognize the complexity of this transition and provide support to facilitate veterans' successful integration into civilian life.

# How Leaders and Workplaces Can Better Support and Manage Veterans

To successfully manage veterans in the workplace, a holistic approach that considers their distinct experiences and challenges is necessary. It's important to recognize that each veteran's path is unique, influenced by their personal background and military service. To offer the most effective support to veterans, it's vital to approach each one with sensitivity to their individual needs and preferences.

Moreover, creating a supportive environment for veterans involves not only the veterans themselves but also their managers and colleagues. To this end, providing training on understanding veterans' perspectives becomes pivotal. This educational initiative ensures that non-veteran employees managing veterans gain valuable insights into the experiences and potential challenges faced by their veteran counterparts.

Furthermore, being a steadfast advocate for veteran employees and ensuring the provision of requisite resources are central to their success in civilian roles. By advocating for veterans' needs and facilitating access to necessary resources, organizations empower their veteran employees to not only adapt but thrive in their new roles. This approach to managing veterans not only enhances their professional growth but also fosters an inclusive and supportive work environment.

# Examining Metrics for DEI Among Veterans

Inclusivity is critical in facilitating veterans' transitions from military to civilian life. To create a supportive environment, workplaces can empower veterans through training and mentorship, acknowledge their distinctive skills, and nurture a culture that is genuinely "Veteran Ready." Raising awareness within the workforce, creating inclusive physical spaces, facilitating disability accommodations, commemorating military holidays, and fostering robust support networks can help strengthen veterans’ sense of belonging at work.

To strengthen the impact of your veteran support programs, here’s how you can tailor your DEI metrics:

  • Demographic Representation: Track the demographic makeup of participants in your veteran support programs, including factors such as age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and disabilities. This ensures that the programs adequately represent the diversity within the veteran population.
  • Participation Rates: Measure participation rates of veterans from various demographic groups within your programs. Identifying any disparities allows for targeted efforts to address them and promote equity.
  • Accessibility: Evaluate the accessibility of support services for veterans with disabilities. This assessment encompasses considerations like the availability of accommodations, assistive technologies, and physical accessibility, all essential components of inclusivity.
  • Cultural Competency Training: Assess the extent to which your staff receives training in cultural competence and sensitivity when working with veterans from diverse backgrounds. This training is integral to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace.
  • Feedback and Satisfaction Surveys: Administer surveys to veterans from diverse backgrounds to gauge their satisfaction with support services. These surveys provide invaluable feedback to improve and refine your programs continually.
  • Representation in Leadership: Examine the representation of veterans from diverse backgrounds in leadership positions within your organization. Ensuring equal opportunities for advancement reinforces the principles of DEI.
  • Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement: Monitor the recruitment, retention rates, and career advancement of veterans from different demographic groups participating in your support programs. Consistent scrutiny of these metrics safeguards fairness and equity throughout veterans' professional journeys.

By incorporating these DEI metrics into your veteran support initiatives, you demonstrate a commitment not only to the successful transition of veterans but also to fostering a workplace environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion for all.

# Conclusion

Veteran transitions can be complex. However, with the right support, veterans can successfully reintegrate into civilian life and thrive in the workplace. This emphasizes the crucial need for inclusivity, which is not only beneficial but necessary for ensuring veterans' successful transition to civilian life and subsequent achievements in the workplace. Employers must embrace the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, recognizing their vital importance for veterans and every individual within the organization. By doing so, we can collaboratively build a more inclusive and welcoming workplace where both veterans and non-veterans can prosper.