The Impact of Military Deployments in the Workplace

1. The Impact of Military Deployments in the Workplace

2. Introduction • Today’s Presenters Dan Lafferty, MSW, LSW, CEAP Kris Huey, MS, NCC, LPC, CEAP Donna Pitkoff, MS, NCC, LPC, CEAP • Military OneSource An integrated EAP and Work/Life program offered to U.S. Military service members and their families

3. Objectives • Overview of military demographics and types of deployment • Focus on the family • Focus on the workplace

4. About the U.S. Military • 1.4 million Active Duty, 1.2 million Reserve/Guard members, 800,000 DoD Civilians, and 40,000 Coast Guard • Women in uniform: 15% for Active Duty; 17% for Reserve/Guard • Almost 50% of Active Duty is 25 years old or younger • Largest age group for the Reserve/Guard is 25 or younger • Just over 50% of Active Duty and Reserve/Guard force is married • Military members with children: 44% for Active Duty, 38% for Reserve/Guard • About 69% of Active Duty spouses are either employed or actively seeking employment • When activated, 4 out of 10 Reserve/Guard members experience a loss of income • More than 768,000 members of the Reserve/Guard have been mobilized since the Persian Gulf War. For the previous 36 years, the figure was 349,208 Sources: www.caliber.com and www.operationhomefront.org

5. Types of Deployment • Deployment to combat/war zone (OIF/OEF) • Humanitarian/peacekeeping missions • Back-filling a position • Guard response to a natural disaster • Border patrol • Naval deployments to sea (peacetime/wartime)

6. Changes in the Family • Shift in family dynamics and roles • Single parent status • Guardianship issues • Dependent care issues for elderly • Income changes • Possible need to relocate

7. Emotional Cycle of Deployment • Pre-deployment • During deployment • Post-deployment

8. Pre-Deployment • Pre-Deployment • Anticipation of Loss • Pre-Deployment • Detachment & Withdrawal

9. During-Deployment • During-Deployment • Emotional Disorganization • During-Deployment • Recovery and Stabilization • During Deployment • Anticipation of Homecoming

10. Post-Deployment • Post-Deployment • Renegotiation of marriage contract • Post-Deployment • Reintegration and Stabilization

11. Contributing Factors • Repeated deployments • Extended deployments • R&R Leave • Clinical issues • Severe injury • Casualties

12. Impact of Deployment on Employers • Small number, huge impact • How businesses cope • Financial impact • Special populations

13. USERRA • Uniformed Services Employment and Re-employment Rights Act (1994) • Who is eligible? • Covers absences from work, due to military service and training • Up to 5 years cumulatively • Employee/Employer responsibilities • Employer cannot discriminate based on status as a servicemember

14. What Can Managers Expect?Pre-Deployment • Conflict between loyalty to job and service • Increase in phone calls to family and to make arrangements • Use of sick days and time off • Decreased productivity • Difficulty concentrating/distraction • Distancing from coworkers, friends, and family • Emotional reactions (anxiety, anger, confusion)

15. What Can Managers Expect?During-Deployment • Distraction • News monitoring/internet surfing • Emotional reactions (anxiety, fear) • Stress due to separation • Work-life balance issues

16. How Can Managers Help? • Understand company policy on military leave • Be prepared for questions about job protection – USERRA • Set aside time to talk • Be flexible and keep communication open • Expect other employees to be impacted • Be proactive about managing workload

17. Re-Entry into Civilian Work • It is a process, not a one-time event • Readjusting • Feeling out of place • Response of Co-workers • Lack of interest/excitement about work • Change in values

18. Workplace Changes • Personnel changes • Job duties assigned to someone else • New job duties/responsibilities • Advancement of peers or colleagues

19. Emotional Changes • Conflict between military and civilian identity • Lack of cohesion around a mission • Altered belief systems • Distrust • Marital problems interfering with work • Financial problems • Mental health problems

20. Clinical Issues in the Workplace • Post Traumatic Stress • Increased Drug and Alcohol Use • Marital Problems • Increased domestic violence • Family Problems

21. How Can Managers Help?Post-Deployment • Allow for gradual re-entry • Welcome the employee back • Make introductions • Meet to discuss changes • Support the employee with training • Be alert for signs of difficulty • Support other impacted employees • Limit political debate or discussion

22. EAP Assessment • Psychological symptoms • Health and physical symptoms • Impact on work functioning • Impact on interpersonal relationships • Coping skills – past and present • Substance use/abuse • Previous traumatic experiences • Deployment-related experiences

23. EAP Intervention • Focus on improving or maintaining work function • Reduce isolation/social withdrawal • Strengthen family relationships • Prevent substance abuse • Be practical and specific • Set up longer-term referrals ahead of time

24. Changed Views ChartFrom: Courage After Fire: Coping Strategies for Returning Soldiers and Their Families (2006) by Keith Armstrong, L.C.S.W., Suzanne Best, Ph.D.,and Paula Domenici, Ph.D. (page 140)

25. Implications for EAP Professionals • Stretching traditional EAP limits • Return to work conferences • Know your boundaries • Know your resources

26. Questions?