Supporting Our Military Community on Independence Day

Independence Day is about more than parades and fireworks. It is also a time to honor and support our Humana military community—military veterans, military spouses, active-duty colleagues and their families—to celebrate together on July 4.

We believe in supporting a culture—for our members, employees, and all those we serve—where everyone feels a sense of belonging. For our military community, this begins with an awareness of the military-connected experience and a greater understanding of how to be an ally.

Military life can involve significant challenges for service members, spouses and their families. Regardless of combat experience or deployment, military service can have a lasting and profound impact on personal and/or professional lives. Nearly 180,000 service members transition from military to civilian life each year, including veterans who continue to serve part-time in the Reserve or National Guard. 

Here are ways to be an ally and support your military colleagues at work:

• Become a mentor—help a veteran or military spouse adjust to corporate life, find resources and get advice, while recognizing that each person’s needs are unique.

• Be flexible—some military-connected colleagues may need support to fulfill responsibilities to the Reserves or National Guard, and some veterans and military spouses may need time to address their mental or physical health.

• Be sensitive about what you say—avoid discussing war or politics in the workplace. Don’t ask about medical history, emotional challenges or mental health status. 

• Ask questions and listen carefully—be curious, but sensitive and respectful. Don’t ask probing questions about combat or trauma experienced.

• Help to remove stigma—if a veteran or military spouse volunteers to discuss sensitive subjects, listen for understanding, acceptance and support.

• Honor military service—recognize veterans in the workplace but be cognizant that phrases such as “thank you for your service” may be triggering for some. It’s important to recognize that Memorial Day honors veterans who have died and Veterans Day honors veterans who are still living.

• Get involved—encourage people to visit a veterans’ hospital or nursing home to spend time with the residents; volunteer time with local veterans’ organizations, VA center or non-profit that support veterans; and support mental health initiatives that support veterans and their family members.

• Support veteran-owned business—supporting veteran-owned businesses through supplier diversity at work honors their service while fostering growth. Partnering with veteran-owned businesses contributes to inclusivity and innovation in the economy.

Being an ally is an ongoing process. We encourage you to get curious and continue learning about your colleagues, their experiences and ways you can continue to be an ally at work and in your community. 

Interested in working for an organization committed to an inclusive, welcoming and safe workplace where employees feel that they belong? Visit Careers.Humana.com to learn more about our culture of inclusion and explore open job opportunities.