Research Shows Three Misperceptions Prevent Employment of "Wounded Warriors"

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of Warrior Care Month, the Army unveiled the "Hire a Veteran" education campaign to reduce anxiety about hiring a Veteran. Research conducted by the Society of Human Resource Management reveals three key obstacles to veteran employment: 

• Employer fears about the impact of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) - 53% of respondents didn't know whether workers with PTSD are more likely than others to commit acts of workplace violence and 8% thought they were more likely to commit violence;
• Employer concerns about the cost of accommodations -14% thought it is costly to accommodate workers with disabilities such as PTSD or TBI and 52% didn't know; and,
• Lack of understanding by companies on how military skills translate to civilian jobs - 50% feel translating military skills to civilian jobs is a challenge.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://www.multivu.com/mnr/59173-army-hire-a-veteran-education-campaign-warrior-care-month-hr-resource

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121119/MM13389)

The campaign will answer the questions many employers want to ask. 

The education effort includes the attached promotional trailer, a ten minute video and online materials found at www.WTC.army.mil.  The material provides information on how to conduct interviews with wounded warriors, how to write an effective position description, and provides resources for employers.  It also educates about all three obstacles and includes information about PTSD in the workplace and in the United States in general; encourages employers not to pre-judge wounded Veterans or make assumptions about their abilities but focus on accomplishments and specific skills; and explains how 57% of accommodations cost nothing and most cost under $500.

About the Society for Human Resource Management
The Society for Human Resource Management is the world's largest association devoted to human resource management and regularly polls its 250,000 membership about HR concerns. 

About the U.S. Army Warrior Transition Command
The U.S. Army Warrior Transition Command (WTC) is a major subordinate command under the U.S. Army Medical Command. WTC provides oversight of the Warrior Care and Transition Program for 10,000 wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers who require more than six months of complex medical treatment. To learn more, visit www.WTC.army.mil.

SOURCE U.S. Army Warrior Transition Command