Report Reveals Veterans Face Dissatisfaction, Alienation in Civilian Jobs

Northville, MI (Law Firm Newswire) January 7, 2016 – Veterans struggle with a number of challenges once they are hired by an employer and enter the civilian workforce, according to research by the Center for Talent Innovation.

CTI is a New York-based nonprofit that advises companies on diversity. Earlier in 2015, CTI researchers surveyed 1,022 veterans working in full-time positions. They also conducted in-depth interviews with 40 others. Around a third of the surveyed veterans had a war-related injury or disability.

The study found that many veterans felt unfulfilled, uninspired and alienated in corporate workplaces. Almost two-thirds of respondents said their civilian jobs lacked the sense of purpose they felt in the military. Their positions also did not allow them to use skills that could be applicable to their employers.

“Companies should start paying more attention to the issues raised in CTI’s report. The focus should shift from simply hiring veterans to finding better career matches for them that utilize their skills and promote a sense of job satisfaction,” said Jim Fausone, a Michigan-based veterans attorney.

Nearly a third of wounded veterans said they hid their injuries from their employer, while a quarter downplayed their military service in order to avoid awkward or difficult conversations with their coworkers. Fifty percent of respondents also claimed coworkers made false assumptions about them, such as thinking they had post-traumatic stress.

More and more employers have made veteran hiring an integral part of their company goals. According to CTI, thirty percent of recruiting budgets are allocated to funding veteran recruitment programs. In November, Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency Director Jeff Barnes and Governor Rick Snyder recognized the state’s top companies committed to hiring, training and supporting veteran talent.

They announced the opening of almost 1,000 well-paying positions in a range of industries for Michigan veterans. The MVAA’s Veteran-Friendly Employer program comprises 37 employers who value the skills and experience of former service members. General Motors, Quicken Loans, Whirlpool Corporation, Verizon and the Michigan Department of Transportation were some of the companies that were recognized.

“Transitioning from the military to civilian life is not easy. As a result, some veterans may have trouble assimilating to their jobs after they are hired,” said Fausone. “Providing more opportunities for workplace progress, as well as programs that ease the transition process would be beneficial.”

Learn more at http://www.legalhelpforveterans.com Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC 41700 West Six Mile Road, Suite 101 Northville, MI 48168 Toll Free Phone: 800.693.4800