America's Heroes at Work Success Story

Nicole Bazemore
Employer, Booz Allen Hamilton

"Caring for Veterans and Soldiers First," is the tag line that rests at the base of Colonel (Col) John Sackett's signature block. Col Sackett is the chief of several U.S. Army programs within the Human Resources Command that provide special benefit compensation to eligible veterans and soldiers. Nicole Bazemore, Program Manager for strategy and technology consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton (Booz Allen), says that "Col Sackett's signature block is anything but a tag line. It's something that he and the entire staff truly embody."

Booz Allen has been working with Col Sackett for several years supporting multiple Army benefit programs. And the consulting firm says it often staffs these, and other important projects, with employees who have served in the military. "As a corporation, Booz Allen has always recognized the value of recruiting and hiring individuals with diversity in background and opinion," Bazemore says. "Employing staff who not only understand military culture, customs and benefits, but who are able to apply their military experiences to the task at hand, is just plain good for our business."

Booz Allen staffing managers at all levels are supported in their efforts to recruit and staff their assignment with wounded warriors, including those with complex injuries, psychological health issues or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). "This is easier said than done, but that's not a deterrent," indicated Bazemore. "Home Town America is where a great majority of wounded warriors return and, appropriately, where they have the greatest support network. Our efforts are to do whatever we can locally to recognize the sacrifices and to support the ongoing transition of wounded, ill and injured into roles where they can be productive members of the workforce."

Recruiting wounded warriors is a sensitive endeavor, so Booz Allen has implemented clear guidelines that its staffing managers follow. Recruitment focuses on both traditional and non-traditional methods including job postings, career fairs, word of mouth communication, personal referrals and incentives. One particular effort that Booz Allen continues to push is working closely with its subcontractor partners to offer additional work share in return for their demonstrated efforts to support the placement of wounded warriors on assignments. In addition, they continuously engage the support of clients such as Col Sackett to assist with advocacy and accommodations to make individuals successful.

Since many of the benefit programs being administered recognize Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and TBI as factors of eligibility, individuals with injuries related to psychological health and other mental illness are offered an environment where it is common to have discussions about what would otherwise be considered sensitive topics.

Employees with non-visible injuries such as PTSD and TBI are generally discovered on a volunteer basis, usually after a period of time on the job. "It's not something we track," says Bazemore, continuing "it is at the discretion of the individual employee whether he or she chooses to identify him or herself as requiring special accommodations."

There is still a tremendous concern among returning service members about the stigma associated with anything related to mental health, and Booz Allen recognizes the personal pride and individual choices that concern the disclosure of issues surrounding mental health. The company's approach has been, and continues to be, to create an environment that is sensitive to special needs and considerate of individual choices as a starting point.

"There is no prescription or formula to hiring wounded warriors, and individuals that suffer from what are being referred to as 'invisible' wounds appear to be the most at-risk," says Bazemore. "It takes a commitment from all sides to assist returning and recovering service members with their transition from military to civilian life-and it's the least we can do."

For additional workplace success stories and information on promising practices for accommodating employees with TBI or PTSD, visit www.AmericasHeroesAtWork.gov.

 

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