It can be an exciting experience for veterans to return to the civilian workforce. After their service, it&rsquo;s beneficial for the mind and body to stay active throughout the day. Employers should encourage their veteran employees to live healthily and take advantage of company resources to keep them safe while at work. Here are some tips that every veteran employee should know when returning to the workforce. 
<h2>Enroll in Employer-Provided Health Benefits</h2>
With physical and mental health a priority for veterans, there&rsquo;s a great opportunity to supplement existing <a href="https://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/resources/publications/hbco/hbco_va_other_insurance.asp#:~:text=If%20you%20have%20other%20forms,VA%20along%20with%20these%20plans." rel="noopener" target="_blank">VA benefits with employer health insurance</a>. This will provide coverage for health issues that are not related to military service. The VA PCP and the private PCP will communicate to ensure the health issue is being resolved and billed to the proper provider.
Another great health benefit is to take advantage of discounts at gyms or fitness facilities if offered by your employer. Sometimes these fitness discounts can also be applied to at-home gym equipment or health devices like fitness-tracking watches. Review your employee benefits manual to know which areas may be discounted and how to receive reimbursement if needed.
Most larger workplaces now offer EAPs (Employee Assistance Programs), which usually don&rsquo;t require enrollment but are still valuable assets to keep in mind. An EAP&rsquo;s purpose is to confidentially help employees through troubling situations in their personal lives, which can be a priceless resource for veterans. Talk with your human resources representative to find out how to contact the workplace&rsquo;s EAP group.
<h2>Avoiding Common Workplace Hazards</h2>
When veterans browse jobs within the civilian workforce, they&rsquo;re looking to apply the skills they developed during their service. Typically, veterans will leverage their experiences to land in fields like information technology, land trade, and labor-based jobs. These professions require skilled and determined workers but have a higher risk of exposure to hazardous materials such as PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls), PVC (Polyvinyl chloride), lead, and asbestos.
If any of these hazardous materials are on the property or involved in day-to-day operations, the workers must adhere to proper safety precautions to avoid long-term health issues. One of the more common hazardous materials veterans may encounter is asbestos. Avoiding asbestos in the workplace is especially important since <a href="https://www.mesothelioma.com/veterans/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">veterans were exposed to asbestos</a> during military service, which can lead to mesothelioma cancer. In order to prevent further exposure, veterans should be aware of asbestos involved in their civilian work and follow the proper procedures to preserve their health.
&nbsp; <img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/75EhNqEqTxq4VmFU8YKc"> 
<h2>Follow On-The-Job Safety Protocols</h2>
Every workplace should have safety regulations in place to protect its workers, which vary depending on the job. Each year, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/injury/fastfacts.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">millions of people are injured at work</a> with slips and falls being the leading cause. With safety being of the utmost importance during military service, that same caution should be adhered to during the workday.
One of the most common ways workers are injured is by attempting to lift heavy objects without proper posture or assistance. To avoid injury when lifting heavy objects alone, first, make sure your path is clear and stretch your muscles. Next, firmly grab the object while keeping your back straight and your knees bent, then stand. This will ensure your knees are managing the weight of the object and not your back. Neglecting these steps or attempting to lift something too heavy by yourself can provoke serious back injury.
An easy way to avoid slips and falls is to wear non-slip work footwear. Whether it's shoes or boots, they&rsquo;ll have a better grip on wet and oily floors. They&rsquo;re made in a variety of styles and budget-friendly pairs are available in retail stores.
<h2>Maintain Good Physical and Mental Shape</h2>
While this may seem like common knowledge, it&rsquo;s easy for months to pass without strengthening your body&rsquo;s muscles and making them vulnerable to injury. Veterans were expected to stay physically fit and be mentally ready for anything during their service. That same mindset can be utilized in the civilian workforce to keep one's self physically in shape with a sharp mind.
By staying in good physical shape, you can reduce the risk of body strains at work, especially if the job is more sedentary like deskwork. A good routine to incorporate is exercising for two days, 30 minutes each day, followed by a rest day. The exercises can be as simple as lifting weights at home, walking or running on the treadmill, swimming, etc., as long as it's raising your heart rate.
Staying in good mental shape can be more challenging, especially for veterans, as there&rsquo;s no uniformed solution for mental health. Some common mental health exercises, known as mindfulness, can be meditating, organizing and overall asking yourself &ldquo;how am I doing?&rdquo;. With depression and <a href="https://www.ptsd.va.gov/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">PTSD</a> (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) the most common mental health issues among veterans, regular visits with an experienced therapist or psychiatrist is recommended to keep all aspects of your life safe, including work.
<h2>Bring a Healthy Lunch and Hydrate Regularly</h2>
Another commonly overlooked but essential value to staying safe at work is eating a proper meal on your scheduled lunch break. Throughout the workday, your body is burning calories that it needs for physical exertion and mental focus. Eating fast food or skipping your lunch break entirely will have adverse effects on your body, as it's lacking the proper fuel for the second half of the day.
An easy routine to set yourself up for success is meal planning. Set some time aside a few times a week to plan your lunches for the next couple of days. It can be as simple as packaging dinner leftovers in tupperware or preparing some sandwiches and veggies in a ziploc bag. Either way, your lunch will be ready to grab in the morning when you head out the door.
For hydration, keep a water bottle with you on your desk or anywhere easily accessible at work. It&rsquo;s easy to get caught up in tasks and let hours pass by without hydrating, which is easily solved by setting a timer on a computer, phone or watch to drink water every 30 minutes. 
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
Our workplaces are where we spend a large portion of our lives and should also encourage us to stay safe while on the shift. Keeping our veterans safe at work should be a priority for employers, along with assisting them wherever possible to live their healthiest lives. For more resources, check out our article on <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/how-to-support-veterans-in-the-workplace-gettin" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">How to Support Veterans in the Workplace</a>.

Veterans returning to the workforce: Tips for staying healthy, safe, and utilizing employer resources effectively.

5 Ways Veterans Can Remain Healthy on the Job | Getting Hired

5 Ways Veterans Can Remain Healthy on the Job

Living with a disability is by no means easy, but the challenges can be particularly significant when that disability is not immediately visible to others. Determining whether or not to disclose your disability at work may be one of the most important, and also one of the most difficult, decisions you can make as you strive to manage your disability effectively.
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As you weigh the pros and cons of self-disclosure, it&rsquo;s important to remember that you&rsquo;re under no legal or moral obligation to reveal your condition to your employer or colleagues. However, there may be some significant benefits to you in doing so. This article explores the potential advantages and disadvantages of disclosing your invisible disability at work and describes some key considerations to keep in mind as you make your decision.
<h2> Potential Benefits of Disclosure</h2>
 When you have a disability that isn't visible, it can be tempting to try to &ldquo;pass.&rdquo; You may prefer to keep your condition under wraps to avoid potential ramifications, such as stigmatization or unconscious biases. You may fear, for example, that your employer or colleagues may perceive you as less competent or reliable due to your disability and that this may negatively impact your work relationships or your career progression.
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The reality, however, is that self-disclosure can yield a number of rewards for you, your colleagues, and the overall culture of the workplace. For instance, discussing your condition with your employer can make it easier for you to access the <a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/program-areas/employers/accommodations" rel="noopener" target="_blank">accommodations to which you are entitled</a> under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). For example, if you are neurodivergent and have been diagnosed with <a href="https://researchautism.org/when-and-if-to-disclose-asd/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">autism spectrum disorder (ASD)</a> or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), for example, your job duties leave you vulnerable to overstimulation or other condition-specific challenges while on the job; disclosing to your employer can help you collaborate on effective accommodations. 
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<a href="https://www.tungstenringscenter.com/blog/2022/03/10/how-to-prepare-for-working-with-kids/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Working with children</a>, for instance, can present a unique constellation of difficulties for persons who have sensory processing disorders. However, by coordinating with your employer, you can develop a strategy that will enable you to care for your own needs while also caring for the children under your watch. This might include the provision of an assistant to oversee the children when you need a few moments of quiet to decompress.
<h2> The Organizational Benefits of Self-Disclosure</h2>
 When you reveal your condition at work, you&rsquo;re not only invoking the legal protections you drive and enhancing your access to the accommodations you may need, but you are also improving the overall culture of your workplace. &nbsp;
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Companies that prioritize diversity and inclusion are more profitable and productive than those that don&rsquo;t. When an organization proves safe, welcoming, and supportive for employees with disabilities, they help to alleviate fears of discrimination and bias in workers who may be experiencing physical or mental health challenges. And this means that employees are more likely to reach out for help when they need it which, in turn, leads to healthier, happier, and more loyal workers and more unified and supportive teams. 
<h2> The Risks of Disclosure</h2>
 For all the potential benefits of self-disclosure when you have an invisible disability, there are potential downsides. Not all company cultures are created equal, after all. Toxic work environments do exist, <a href="https://www.findlaw.com/legalblogs/small-business/fancy-tech-is-no-cure-for-bad-corporate-culture/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">even in the most sophisticated and technologically advanced companies</a>. If your company is one in which a &ldquo;villainous culture&rdquo; prevails, then disclosure is probably not going to be in your best interests.
&nbsp;
It&rsquo;s important to remember, though, <a href="https://www.additudemag.com/fired-for-adhd-legal-rights-at-work/#:~:text=What%20protections%2C%20if%20any%2C%20do,not%20do%20their%20job%20properly" rel="noopener" target="_blank">that you </a><a href="https://www.additudemag.com/fired-for-adhd-legal-rights-at-work/#:~:text=What%20protections%2C%20if%20any%2C%20do,not%20do%20their%20job%20properly" rel="noopener" target="_blank">cannot</a> be fired because you have revealed that you have a disability. Nevertheless, if your work environment is a deeply negative one, you may find that remaining with your current employer does more harm than good. In that case, you may do well to find another position, ideally one that actively seeks to employ persons with disabilities.
<h2> Making a Plan</h2>
 If you <a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/publications/fact-sheets/youth-disclosure-and-the-workplace-why-when-what-and-how#:~:text=The%20laws%20require%20that%20qualified,you%20must%20disclose%20your%20disability" rel="noopener" target="_blank">decide to disclose your disability</a>, the first thing you need to do is determine how and to whom. Are you comfortable with discussing your condition openly with your employer and colleagues? Or do you prefer to keep your condition confidential, revealing it only to your employer? If you choose to do the latter, remember that your employer is legally obligated to protect your privacy, and can only discuss your condition with essential personnel and others you designate. 
<h2> The Takeaway</h2>
 When you have an invisible disability, choosing whether or not to disclose your disability at work can be difficult. There are decided advantages to self-disclosure, including the opportunity to access necessary accommodations and other legal protections. Disclosure can also help to create a more inclusive company culture. The key is to remember that you are under no moral or legal obligation to disclose your condition. It is ultimately up to you to determine what is best for your needs. 
<hr>
 Content Contributor:
Ainsley Lawrence is a freelance writer from the Pacific Northwest. She is interested in better living through technology and education. She loves traveling to beautiful places and is frequently lost in a good book. 
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Deciding to disclose a disability at work can be tough. Learn the pros and cons to make an informed choice.

Disclosing a Disability At Work | Getting Hired

Disclosing a Disability At Work

Balancing work and caregiving responsibilities can be challenging. Many&nbsp;<a href="https://www.caregiver.org/caregiver-statistics-work-and-caregiving" rel="noopener" target="_blank">informal caregivers</a>&nbsp;find themselves juggling doctor&rsquo;s appointments; supporting daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, and medications or organizing bills and other needs, while striving to maintain a career.
According to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.caregiving.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/2015_CaregivingintheUS_Final-Report-June-4_WEB.pdf" rel="noopener" target="_blank">National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP</a>, approximately 43.5 million caregivers provide unpaid care to an adult or child within a 12-month period. As Baby Boomers continue to age and as the cost of senior living and in-home care grows, the need for informal caregivers will continue to increase.
Informal caregivers who are employed outside of their caregiving responsibilities have schedules, deadlines, and demands that can place unexpected strain on their emotions, focus, and energy.
Here are some helpful tips to help balance your career when you&rsquo;re a caregiver:
1. Prioritize your Physical and Emotional Health&nbsp;&ndash; Caregivers often don&rsquo;t realize they are susceptible to health-related issues, including high-blood pressure, anxiety, depression, and addiction. It is important to keep up with personal doctor&rsquo;s appointments and remain aware of any changes in physical feeling, in mood or overall mental health. You should not only make necessary appointments to maintain good physical health, but also reach out to mental heath professionals to care for your emotional wellbeing.
Supporting your emotional health can also include connecting with others who can empathize with your feelings. This can be done through community&nbsp;<a href="https://www.caregiver.org/support-groups" rel="noopener" target="_blank">support programs</a>&nbsp;or online caregiver groups and forums. These provide opportunities to exchange ideas and get support at any time of day.
2. Practice Self-Care&nbsp;&ndash; A caregiver&rsquo;s general tendency is to make sure everyone else is taken care of first. However, it&rsquo;s important to practice self-care to ensure you have the energy and mindset to function well at work and continue to care for others. Self-care includes maintaining a healthy diet, getting adequate rest, and doing some form of physical activity or exercise. It can also mean taking a lunch break or free moment to go outside for a walk or read a book.
3. Maintain Relationships/Support Network&nbsp;&ndash; Many working caregivers tend to neglect social activity or relationships, and even spend less time with other family members. Connecting with those you value and love helps you manage stress and responsibilities better. Additionally, some friends and family members may be willing to assist with caregiving tasks or household chores. This could even include stopping by to sit with your loved one while you complete other tasks or rest.
4. Talk to Your Employer&nbsp;&ndash; Having a direct conversation with your employer about your circumstances can be helpful for managing both work and home responsibilities. By sharing information about your needs, your employer is likely to be more understanding if/when unexpected circumstances arise that may cause you to arrive late or miss a deadline. They also may be able to help you consider support resources that you were not aware of. Ultimately, it is important to make sure your employer knows that work is still one of your main priorities. This will help them support you as needed.
5. Review Employer Benefits/FMLA&nbsp;&ndash; Many employers offer benefits packages that include a variety of resources and services to support caregivers. These include&nbsp;<a href="https://www.opm.gov/faqs/QA.aspx?fid=4313c618-a96e-4c8e-b078-1f76912a10d9&amp;pid=2c2b1e5b-6ff1-4940-b478-34039a1e1174" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)</a>&nbsp;that provide counseling, eldercare referral services, and more. Some employers have flexible leave policies that allow employees to use sick leave to care for others or to share leave, which allows employees to donate unused leave time to other employees.
The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fmla" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)</a>&nbsp;provides another option for caregivers to consider, as it gives eligible employees 12 weeks per year of unpaid leave. This can be used to care for a sick family member.
6. Consider Flexible Work Options&nbsp;&ndash; Many employers are embracing flexible work options as an effective means of productivity for all employees. These can be especially helpful for informal caregivers, as flexible work options can include having flexible work or telework hours. For example, a caregiver may request to work from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to be available for early morning doctor&rsquo;s appointments, or from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. to be home in time to prepare for evening needs.
<a href="https://www.opm.gov/FAQs/QA.aspx?fid=b48bf83b-440c-4f1e-a88c-3cdc9d802ac8&amp;pid=75346675-3b92-4aec-831d-58cf5b0e86d2" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Teleworking</a>&nbsp;is also an effective way to balance work with caregiving responsibilities. By working from home or your loved one&rsquo;s home, you have greater ability to use break times or time that would be spent commuting to care for your loved one.
Other flexible work options include swapping shifts with other employees, coming in on traditional &ldquo;off-days,&rdquo; or working shorter hours on specific days.
7. Research Community Resources&nbsp;&ndash; In addition to gaining resource guidance from an employer, caregivers can also reach out to local agencies that can share a variety of ideas on programs and services to support you and your loved one. For example,&nbsp;<a href="https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx" rel="noopener" target="_blank">local agencies on aging</a>&nbsp;can provide details on adult day centers, transportation options, and respite programs.&nbsp;<a href="https://ncdj.org/resources/organizations/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Disability organizations</a>, such as local&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ilru.org/projects/cil-net/cil-center-and-association-directory" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Centers for Independent Living (CILs)</a>&nbsp;can provide information on local activities, support groups, funding initiatives, accessible housing options, and much more.
8. Know Your Limits&nbsp;&ndash; It&rsquo;s very important for caregivers to identify their needs and set physical and emotional boundaries to help manage responsibilities and prioritize self-care. This includes determining what personal space and time you consistently need, the type of communication and interactions you have with others (including co-workers), and any other needs that will help you function at your best. From there, communicate these needs to others so that they can be supportive.
For more ideas on services, programs, and resources to support your needs as a caregiver, visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.caregiver.org/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Family Caregiver Alliance</a>.
Contributions to this blog were made by Andra&eacute;a LaVant of Solutions Marketing Group.

Balancing work and caregiving can be tough. Discover tips to manage both effectively and maintain your well-being.

Balancing Your Career When You're a Caregiver

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Staff Writer

143 Articles

5 Ways Veterans Can Remain Healthy on the Job

Disclosing a Disability At Work

Balancing Your Career When You're a Caregiver