Despite their unique set of skills, experiences, and leadership abilities, going from combat to cubicle is not easy for many service members, veterans, and their spouses. They often face barriers that inhibit employment prospects and their transitions, including cultural barriers and mental and physical health challenges. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, veterans disproportionately suffer from substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, and serious mental illness.
Fortunately, employers have the opportunity to utilize a number of strategies to enhance the health of their workforce, including veterans, and reap financial benefits through healthcare savings, employee engagement, productivity, and retention.
Aligning its workforce health and corporate social responsibility strategies, Prudential Financial is one example of commitment to achieving and maintaining a competitive edge through promoting a culture of health. Alongside several non-profit partners, Prudential is creating Shared Value by supporting veterans and their spouses so they can make a healthy and successful transition to employment in the corporate world. Its VETalent program offers career paths including information technology, project management and customer support at five Prudential sites, including its headquarters in Newark, NJ, home to more than 400,000 veterans.
Read more about Shared Value in “Beyond the Four Walls: Why Community is Critical to Workforce Health” and how Prudential is promoting community and workforce health here.
Does your employer or community organization promote veteransÂ’ health? WeÂ’d love to hear from you, either below or on social media at @VitalityUSA and using #Beyond4Walls
Thumbnail image credit: Black Enterprise
