Employing Defence Force Reservists

Words by John Krnel originally published by WSBC.

ONE of the world’s leading business improvement companies has thrown its weight behind the ‘job ready’ skills of Australian Defence Force members, confirming employing a Reservist can positively impact on a business’s bottom line.

BSI (British Standards Institution) is a company that works with businesses to equip them with the necessary solutions to turn standards of best practice into habits of excellence. 

With more than 80,000 clients in 172 countries, BSI believes they are an organisation whose standards inspire excellence across the globe.

BSI Group ANZ General Manager Sales & Marketing John Krnel said employing Defence Force Reservists made “good business sense”.

“What we have found over the years is that many of the skills developed within a Defence Force context directly translate to the corporate environment,” Mr Krnel said.

“Defence Force Reservists demonstrate excellent leadership qualities. We find they bring a myriad of skills to the workplace.”

Leadership, initiative and teamwork are just some of the personal attributes Defence Force Reservists bring to the BSI Group ANZ workplace, he said.

Mr Krnel said an excellent example of the benefits of employing a Reservist was BSI Group ANZ Business Development Manager Andrew Moore.

Mr Moore is Squadron Sergeant Major, A Squadron, with the 1st/15th Royal New South Wales Lancers (1/15 RNSWL) Light Cavalry Regiment located at Parramatta, NSW.

“Andrew applies his Defence leadership skills in managing his team,” Mr Krnel said.

“In return for all of the skills developed in the Defence Force we offer Reservists with flexible working arrangements and support through the BSI Group ANZ Defence Leave Policy.”

Mr Moore said he appreciated the support he received from BSI Group ANZ.

“BSI Group ANZ has a number of mechanisms in place to ensure employees who are Defence Force Reservists are supported,” Mr Moore said.

“Like any employer there has to be give and take, giving BSI as much as possible notice has always helped me in being able to be released to attend courses and training for extend periods of time.

“As well as the leadership benefits employees bring to the workplace, employers of Defence Force Reservists are eligible for a range of benefits provided through the Defence Reserves Support organisation”.

Financial incentives such as the Employer Support Payment Scheme and ‘Reservist Experience’ programs such as Exercise Executive Stretch and Exercise Boss Lift are two examples of support provided to employers.

Earlier this year Mr Krnel got a first-hand taste of military life when he took part in the Defence Reserves Support VIP Challenge held at the Australian Army Recruit Training in Kapooka, NSW.

The aim of the challenge, which is held annually, is to provide employers the opportunity to observe and experience the personal, technical and professional skills Reservists receive as a member of the Navy, Army or Air Force Reserve.

“Activities included leadership and survival skills training as well as team building exercises and physical challenges,” Mr Krnel said.

“It really was a great experience -especially the confidence course.”

Defence Reserves Support Head of Cadet, Reserve and Employer Support Division Major General Iain Spence, CSC, RFD will address the upcoming Western Sydney Business Connection Greater Western Sydney Employer Forum on 12 November.

The original article can be viewed here.