Benefits to your employer
Reservists are skilled, clear-thinking individuals, who are prepared to learn. That is why increasing numbers of employers recognise the value Reservists can bring to the civilian workplace. Talking to your employer about the benefits you offer as a Reservist will encourage their support.
Transferable skills
Teamworking, self-confidence, leadership qualities and experience of other cultures are skills and qualities that you develop as a Reservist - skills and qualities that are highly prized by employers.You will also have a range of practical skills, such as training in first aid and health and safety, which makes you quick to respond if an accident happens. Weapons drill and parade drill give you precision, coordination and accuracy - useful skills if you use expensive machinery or technology in your civilian career. Learning military skills helps you develop resourcefulness, perseverance and the ability to improvise in unfamiliar or difficult circumstances.
Personal qualities
Attributes such as organisational skills, loyalty, reliability, integrity and confidence are less easy to measure but, thanks to your training and practical experience, you have them in abundance. These are qualities that your employer will value.As a Reservist you have the chance to experience adventurous activities such as climbing, skiing, sailing, trekking, abseiling and white-water rafting. The Armed Forces place a high value on such activities because they are character-building, and help develop fitness, self-confidence, determination and perseverance. They also teach individuals how to lead or work within a team, solve problems, communicate, present ideas and organise a complex event or process. Your employer will value these activities for the same reason that the Armed Forces do.
Training
Research by Leeds Business School shows that the value to civilian employers of the training received by members of the Volunteer Reserve Forces is £377 million per year.As a Reservist you undertake training throughout the year. You learn skills which your organisation may not have the money or time to provide.
The average Reservist receives training in skills that can be transferred to the civilian workplace and would cost your employer over £9,000 per year to provide. In contrast, the average employee receives only £822 worth of training per year.
These statistics will demonstrate to your employer the benefits of employing a Reservist.
Tell your employer about the benefits
Talk to your employer about the training you've done and some of the training situations when you put your skills and qualities as a Reservist to use. It will help them recognise your extra potential and value in the workplace.Many employers want to encourage a culture of volunteering in the workplace. Explain to them that, as a Volunteer Reservist, you give up your spare time to train alongside your Regular counterparts. You may even be called on to serve your country in times of war or national emergency. The commitment you make as a Volunteer Reservist will demonstrate the volunteer culture in action.
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