You and Your Employer
When you became a Reservist you made a number of commitments to Australia, including being willing to attend training and to be deployed if necessary. However, you also have commitments to your civilian employer and it can sometimes be difficult to balance the two.
Having your employer's support as a Reservist is invaluable if you need to ask for leave to attend training, and especially if you are nominated for a deployment. Being open and honest about your commitments as a Reservist and telling your employer about the skills and training you receive as a result will help a great deal. Not only will it enable your employer to plan ahead, but they’ll also be more likely to support you if they recognise the extra skills and qualities you are gaining and how they can assist their business or organisation.
Building up a good relationship with your employer
Obtaining and keeping the goodwill of your employer is a continuous process. It always helps if you can:
- give as much notice as possible whenever you need to take time off work
- if your absence creates difficulties for your employer, show you understand and, if possible, suggest a solution or approach your Commanding Officer to try and change dates for your training or deployment
- keep your employer updated about the training you’re doing and outline the benefits to them
- encourage your employer to visit this site or call the Defence Reserves Support Help Line (1800 803485) if they have any queries you can’t answer
- if you have an HR department, you might like to have similar meetings with them, and/or copy them in on any relevant correspondence with your manager
- Never underestimate the importance of thanking your employer for their support. It will always be appreciated and remembered.
Plan ahead
As soon as you receive your dates for training or deployment, tell your employer. The more notice you can give, the less likely you are to meet resistance as it enables your employer to plan how they will cover your absence. Always confirm the dates in writing and notify HR if relevant. It is helpful to remind your manager nearer the time of the dates you’ll be away, especially if you think they may have forgotten. Also, update your manager as quickly as possible about any changes to dates and confirm them in writing to ensure there’s no confusion.
Sell the benefits
As a Reservist you can bring the following benefits to your employer:
- Typically the scope of your Reservist responsibilities will far exceed those of your civilian job (for instance, you may have had 24/7 responsibility for your team and/or equipment in hazardous situations). Discussing such matters with your manager and HR department can help impress upon them your capabilities and potential for career progression.
- Remind them of the valuable training you are undertaking and skills you are gaining every year, which will help develop your teamwork, leadership skills, organisational abilities and the ability to cope under pressure. All at no cost to your employer.
- Other examples of skills you may learn include health and safety awareness or contingency planning which again, can be directly applied to your civilian job.
Benefits to your employer
Reservists are highly motivated, clear-thinking people, who are prepared to learn. That’s why increasing numbers of employers recognise the value they can bring to the workplace. Talking to your employer about the benefits you offer as a Reservist will help them appreciate the extra potential you offer – and help you gain their support. You’ll find it much easier to sell your skills by seeing the benefits from an employer’s point of view.
