Veteran Affairs Workforce: Challenges

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There are several challenges of Diversity and Inclusion in the Veterans Affairs Workforce from a supervisory perspective. These challenges begin from the fact that supervisors find it difficult to understand the Veterans. The actions, works, and non verbal communication of Veterans is not easily comprehensible to supervisors. In addition, the instructions or signals given by the supervisor are not understood by the Veterans. Further, in a civilian work environment, it is difficult for the supervisor to know the mentality of the Veterans (1). The supervisor does not understand that the military personnel actually requires permission to speak or air his ideas. And when the military personnel actually speak they upset the supervisors. The military personnel are conditioned to speak when something being done is wrong. The civilian supervisors find it difficult to digest that they are actually being "corrected" by someone who is reporting to them. Often military personnel who are very competent require the right support. Support can be provided in the form of a mentor, and training. When properly trained and supported, the military personnel are very capable. Further, Veteran Affairs Workforce personnel are known to be independent. They go in unexpected directions unless they are given specific directions and guidance. It is necessary to train them in company goals, mission, and vision. They must be trained in company culture. In addition, they must be given specific instructions to keep them on course.
From the perspective of supervisors, the Veteran Affairs Workforce are perceived to show resistance to change. The Veterans come from a background where there is rigidity and inflexibility. This becomes a challenge for the supervisor when he introduces a change. The Veterans do not change easily and feel threatened when repeated changes are introduced. Further, Veterans have communication barriers when they join organizations. There are perpetual, cultural, and language barriers that prevent them from communicating with the supervisors and understanding what their supervisors want. In addition, if the supervisor understands the Veterans, it is not enough, the others in the organization should also be able to understand what the veteran is saying and how to communicate with him. The supervisor has the challenge of changing the culture of the organization so that everyone can understand the veteran and interaction meaningfully with him. The supervisor has a ...