ICESR Employer Engagement Dale Hedges National Strategic Planner Canadian Forces Liaison Council

Presentation Purpose To introduce the methods of and main issues regarding employer engagement.

Presentation Topics Summary of Key Global Issues and Challenges Importance of Articulating the Value Proposition for Employers The Key Elements in a Comprehensive Employer Support Model

Global Issues and Challenges From the Military perspective: Defining the role of the Reservist Integration with the Full-time capability Shifting dependency to a part-time reserve force to deliver and meet the needs for operational readiness Shrinking budgets and demand to measure value for money spent Implementing effective legislation and incentives to support the specific needs in each country How to engage with Employers in meaningful ways and keep up with changes that occur

Global Issues and Challenges From the Employer perspective: Civilian and Military qualifications / competencies don’t line up Confusing landscape caused by multiple groups (government; industry; civilian) running numerous programs, events and initiatives Reservists do not identify themselves Increasing demands for more time off from work to fulfill their military obligations Returning Employees have changed… Expensive to employ Reservists Increasing pressure to demonstrate social responsibility

Other Issues and Challenges Numerous major economic issues occurring around the globe – we are all connected Technology changing faster then governments, business and individuals can absorb and leverage Life is now becoming 24 x 7 Timely and effective response to change is now the priority

What is the Value Proposition? What unique training and experiences can be leveraged by the Employer? How does support for the Reserve fulfill the Employer’s need to demonstrate social responsibility? What competitive advantage attributes to supportive Employers? How can the Employer be properly recognized in a meaningful way?

Engagement Model Best Practices Key Elements: Effective Governance –Clearly defining the way you operate In Reach: –Engage and working with the Chain of Command –Visibility at the Unit Level –Implementing effective services that help Reservists Out Reach: –Conduct effective and meaningful events that engage and educate Employers which clearly articulate the ‘value proposition’ –Build, maintain and leverage on-going relationships