World Fence News

42 • JUNE 2015 • WORLD FENCE NEWS Look out your window, and you may notice many of the cars in the parking lot sporting a "Support the Troops" sticker. Your firm most like- ly asks about military service on job applications. You may even recall the donations canister in prominent view for a few months before Christmas. Is that what it means to be a mili- tary friendly company? In general terms, military friendly companies make it possible for mili- tary reserve and guardsmen, along with recently separated serviceper- sons, to work while providing support for their families. This current economy is demand- ing new and different ways of doing business. Fresh ideas depend more on the relationships built with employees and customers than ever before. So, why should your organization strive to be a military-oriented company? • National recognition – The Em- ployer's Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) recognizes mili- tary-friendly companies on their web site (www.ESGR.org). There is also a map that takes visitors to a list of com- panies that are considered "supportive employers." These companies have signed and posted a statement of their continued support of military employees. • Money – Opening your compa- ny to a great new customer base is of- ten a result of being a military friend- ly organization. Military customers are loyal and appreciative of those who "give back" to service members and their families. More than 200 companies offer mili- tary discounts. • Great employees – Recently, a national news program discussed the qualities that make military person- nel perfect employees, and why many companies choose to hire them. They are dedicated, disciplined people who know the value of follow- ing procedures and accepting respon- sibility. Military employees often have valuable skills and technical knowl- edge they have learned through their service. They understand motivation and teamwork, work well under pres- sure or stress and work well despite adversity. They are a diverse group with integrity and a strong work ethic. It costs your company much less to re- tain a good employee! To put this in perspective, Unit- ed Services Automobile Association (USAA) makes the Fortune 500 list, as well as the ESGR list, and the Top 10 military spouse friendly employers lists, and they've focused on the value of the military family since 1922. Here's what they say about the military worker: "'We know what it means to serve' is more than a slogan. We respect and honor what the men and women in our military risk for us, and what their families go through to support them. Not only have you prov- en yourself in service to our nation, but you also know our members bet- ter than anyone – and can share your unique experiences through service to our members." Johnson Controls believes candi- dates with military experience bring ingenuity and state-of-the-art training to the workplace. Here's what they share about the military worker: "We know the im- portance of having a highly qualified and diverse pool of talent to recruit from, both now and for the future. "That's why Johnson Controls is pleased to be a member of the U.S. Army's Partnership for Youth Suc- cess (PaYS), established to provide America's youth with the opportunity to match the skills they acquire serv- ing their country with employers like Johnson Controls." Whether your organization is striving to be more military friendly, or if you are already on the Top 50 list, here's what you can do to foster the company/military relationship on a daily basis: • Communication – Create a plan that keeps the lines of communication open from the company to the service member and their family. This needs to be especially nur- tured during times of deployment so the individual does not feel like a "newbie" when he or she returns to the job. • Set and maintain firm company policies – This ensures that there is little misinterpretation of policies that may have changed during a deploy- ment. If the policies do change, keep Are you a military friendly company? Why you should consider it BY ELAINE G. DUMLER continued on page 48 COMPARE AND SAVE ON TEMPORARY FENCE PANELS WE SHIP COAST TO COAST 3,000 + PANELS of 6 X 10 & 6 X 14 ARE IN STOCK SWAN-BOND Fused-Bonded Wire 800-688-SWAN (7926) www.swanfence.com 600 W. Manville St., Compton, CA 90220 CHAIN LINK ® INSTITUTE FENCE MANUFACTURERS

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