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thewayofthewiseowl
Nov 14, 20245 min read

Supporting Disabled Veterans in the Workplace: A Path from Service to Civilian Life



For many disabled veterans, transitioning from active duty to a civilian job is no easy feat. They face unique challenges—often invisible to the outside world—that can make adjusting to a new work environment incredibly difficult. And, unfortunately, some companies may not fully understand these struggles, leading to miscommunication and even job loss for veterans doing their best to cope.


Today, I want to share a personal story about my husband, a disabled veteran who served 21 years and five back-to-back deployments. He was a reliable, hardworking man, but his journey from military service to the civilian workforce was filled with hurdles. I hope his story brings awareness to the challenges veterans face and offers insights into how companies can be more supportive and inclusive of the men and women who have given so much.


The Hidden Struggles of Veterans with Mental Health Challenges

Many veterans carry invisible scars—chronic mental health conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and depression. These challenges, especially in a busy, civilian workplace, can feel overwhelming. For my husband, who dealt with social anxiety, crowded environments were a major source of stress. His way of coping was to be friendly and open with everyone around him. It was his way of making crowded spaces feel a bit safer and more manageable.


Unfortunately, his company didn’t understand this. Rather than seeing his friendly behavior as a way to cope, they let him go, not realizing they were taking away his source of stability. They missed out on a loyal, hardworking employee simply because they didn’t understand his unique needs as a veteran transitioning to civilian life.


How Companies Can Make a Difference

Companies have a powerful opportunity to support veterans as they transition into the civilian workforce. A few key steps can make a world of difference for veterans coping with mental health challenges:


  1. Training for Managers and HR Staff

    Understanding PTSD, social anxiety, and other mental health conditions can help managers approach conversations with empathy. Had my husband’s supervisors been trained to recognize these signs, they might have seen his behavior in a different light. With the right training, staff can be better equipped to support veterans on their teams.


  2. Flexibility for Coping Mechanisms

    Veterans often have unique ways of handling anxiety and stress. Rather than viewing these behaviors as “unprofessional,” companies can create a more flexible culture that accommodates different approaches to coping. Simple adjustments can create a much more inclusive work environment.


  3. Mental Health Resources and Support Networks

    Access to mental health services, support groups, or even mentorship programs with other veterans can be invaluable. When a company shows that it values the well-being of its employees, veterans included, it builds trust and loyalty.


  4. Fair and Transparent Evaluation Processes

    A company’s performance reviews should consider an employee’s individual context. In my husband’s case, if they had taken the time to understand the context of his behavior, they might have seen a man who was doing his best to adapt and contribute. Veterans deserve a chance to be understood rather than judged.


What Veterans Bring to the Workforce

Veterans are some of the most disciplined, resilient, and reliable employees a company could ask for. These are men and women who know the value of hard work, commitment, and sacrifice. By making an effort to understand and support veterans, companies can not only benefit from their skills but also foster an environment where veterans feel valued.


Resources for Veterans Facing Workplace Challenges

If you’re a veteran or know someone going through this struggle, these resources may help:


Conclusion: Let’s Make a Change

Our veterans have already given so much; the least we can do is offer them a workplace that values and respects their sacrifices. By being open, empathetic, and understanding, companies can ensure that veterans don’t just survive but thrive in their new roles.


To companies out there: consider the potential in every veteran who walks through your doors. To veterans: know that there’s a community ready to advocate for you. Let’s keep these conversations going and create a workplace where every veteran feels supported.

 


I invite you to join my Life Coaching program if you're ready to start making positive changes in your life. We'll talk about things like forgiveness, happiness, empowerment, and more, all of which may play a role in helping you reframe your life and find your true calling. Don't be shy; Way of the Wise Owl is a non-profit organization, and your consultation with us will cost you nothing. Let's cross our fingers and hope for a speedy response.


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