A new survey conducted by the Employment Service has revealed alarming levels of financial strain and job insecurity faced by reserve servicemen and women who participated in the Iron Swords War. The survey, which gathered responses from 841 individuals out of tens of thousands who sought assistance from the Employment Service in recent months, sheds light on the significant challenges these individuals are facing as they return to civilian life.
According to the survey, approximately 75% of respondents reported experiencing financial damage due to their reserve service. While 27% managed to get by, 48% reported significant financial harm. Additionally, 60% of respondents expressed concerns about job insecurity, with about 20% fearing they would lose their jobs. Alarmingly, 41% of the participants revealed they had either been fired or forced to leave their jobs following their reserve service.
Rising Job Insecurity and the Need for Career Shifts
The survey, which was conducted as part of the "Dimensions for Employment" program, aimed to assess the impact of reserve service on the employment outcomes of those who served extended periods in the reserves. These long service periods have had a noticeable effect on their professional lives, leaving many individuals in uncertain situations.
The results indicate that 63% of respondents were dissatisfied with their current employment positions and had considered changing their careers after their service. This dissatisfaction reflects broader concerns about the stability and long-term prospects of their employment. Many servicemen and women expressed a desire for further professional development and training, particularly in response to the rapidly evolving job market.
Demand for Professional Development and Training
The survey also highlights a clear need for professional development, with respondents indicating a strong desire to strengthen their skills. Approximately 24% of those surveyed requested professional training, and nearly 50% expressed a need for assistance in strengthening their technological and digital skills to keep up with the modern labor market, which is increasingly digital and fast-evolving. Additionally, 24.2% of respondents sought help in developing management and entrepreneurial skills.
The findings underscore the necessity for adapting to the changing landscape of work, particularly as many reserve servicemen and women seek to transition into new roles or sectors. As the demand for digital and technological expertise rises, many are looking for support to equip themselves with the skills necessary for success in the current workforce.
‘Dimensions for Employment’ Program
In response to these findings, the Employment Service has launched the "Dimensions for Employment" program, a personalized employment solution aimed at helping reserve soldiers and their families navigate the challenges of reintegration into the workforce. Since its initiation, the program has already assisted tens of thousands of reserve soldiers and their spouses by providing access to career counselors, occupational psychologists, and job placement coordinators.
Attorney Einbal Meshesh, Director General of the Employment Service, addressed the challenges posed by large-scale reserve mobilization, emphasizing the importance of supporting those who protect the nation. "The complexity created by the large-scale recruitment of reserve soldiers has posed unprecedented challenges in the labor market," Meshesh said. "Reserve soldiers are the backbone of national resilience, and the survey data reveals a difficult reality. As a state, it is our duty to provide them with a full and respectful employment package."
The program offers a range of services, including personalized career plans, professional training, digital skill workshops, preparation for job interviews, and career counseling. It is designed to help reserve soldiers and their spouses rebuild their careers and ensure they are equipped to succeed in today’s challenging job market.
A Commitment to National Resilience
The "Dimensions for Employment" initiative underscores the government's commitment to supporting the national resilience of its people, ensuring that those who have served in the reserves can return to productive and fulfilling careers. With the program's ongoing efforts, the Employment Service aims to ease the transition for reserve soldiers and their families, helping them rebuild their professional lives and contribute to the country’s recovery.
As the program continues, it reminds us of the importance of providing comprehensive and respectful support for those who serve and protect the nation during times of conflict.
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