Veterans in the workplace: Fostering a culture of understanding and support

At RES, we believe our differences bring us together. To build a more inclusive workplace, RES launched a programme called RESpect in 2021, creating five affinity networks to foster an inclusive environment for all employees. This year, two additional employee networks , including the Veterans Affinity Network, were launched.

The network seeks to highlight the valuable skills and experiences of the Armed Forces community, create an inclusive and supportive space, and provide resources that align with their unique needs and experiences.

Supporting veterans transitioning to civilian careers
RES HSQE Director of Quality and 20-year veteran Wayne Mason struggled to transition back to civilian life after his time in the military. As vice chair of the network, his goal is to build relationships with fellow veterans both within the company and in the broader veteran community to better understand how veterans can be supported as they transition into the workplace.

“We want to have a safe space where veterans are able to talk about their experiences, both while they were in the military and after,” said Mason. “The military offers support and resources for transitional military members and there are certain benefits available.” One of Mason’s primary goals is to help veterans navigate the many programs designed to support them.

RES’ Tom Ogilvy, head of operational transformation and a veteran of the British Army, faced similar challenges when transitioning out of the military.

Ogilvy was introduced to RES through members of the veteran community and has been with the company for two years. “Working for RES has allowed me to rebuild my confidence and build a path to a new career,” said Ogilvy, who now serves as the acting chair of the RES Veterans Affinity Network. “Through the network, I hope to gain an accurate understanding of how many potential community members exist within RES globally and hope the majority of them can follow and participate in the network.”

Another key objective of the network is to support veterans’ families. “Having family members who have served and a spouse who is a U.S. Army veteran, I have seen firsthand how important this community is, and I feel passionate about facilitating and strengthening our relationships with veterans and their families here at RES,” said Diane Greenlee, senior talent acquisition partner at RES. As vice chair of the network, Greenlee aims to create more opportunities for all armed forces community members.

Reaching every employee
According to the Department of Labor, construction jobs — including installation, maintenance, and repair — are among the top occupations for veterans in the U.S. As RES continues to grow, we recognise that a diverse workforce is crucial to the success of the rapidly expanding renewables market, driven by regulations such as the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). This is particularly evident in RES’ apprenticeship program.

“Our program is not only DOL approved, but it’s VA approved, so we have done everything we can to make our program as military-friendly as possible,” said Cristin Bolton, Director of Operational Workforce Management.

Steve Shannon, RES health and safety manager and a veteran of Naval Aviation, understands the importance of offering support to veterans in the field, especially those working on construction sites. “My goal as a member of the Veterans Network is to make sure all our veterans in the field understand the support programs RES offers,” said Shannon.

A survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that 64% of combat veterans feel disconnected from civilian life. Community support groups, veteran organisations, and local events can help bridge this gap by providing veterans opportunities to connect with others who share similar experiences. “This is such an important place for the whole community to come together to share their thoughts, stories and experiences, in a space where they can feel genuinely heard,” said Sara Hirst, procurement manager at RES, whose spouse served in the British Army Royal Signals for eight years.

Shaping the future
RES recognises the exceptional contributions of our diverse veteran community and the critical role they can play in shaping the company’s future. This includes veterans in transition, the family members of service personnel, and those who continue to serve in any capacity. Through these programs, RES is committed to being a veteran-friendly employer of choice globally.