Table 2

Additional suggestions regarding the HR practices and explanation

Additional suggestionsExplanation
Differentiate the offered supportCrisis service organizations must adjust their care to diverse backgrounds. Some participants found it challenging to access suitable care outside their organization due to external providers’ limited understanding of the unique deployment context and associated psychological challenges, resulting in potential misinterpretations and inadequate treatments
Strengthen the role of the confidantsAnother suggestion was to strengthen the role of the “confidants” within the unit to keep offering psychological assistance even beyond the reintegration process. Offer the necessary time to fulfill this role
Introduce a mentor figureLinked to this, another participant suggested a “mentor” figure with prior mission experience who can serve as a valuable resource and support system. This individual can take on the role of facilitator and informant to ensure a smooth preparation for deployment and return
Proactive debriefingsProactively informing employees about their mission, return environment and potential challenges before deployment is crucial. This includes instructions on cultural, political and social aspects, as well as the reintegration process. It should also encompass the potential challenges they might encounter during their mission and subsequent return
Third location decompressionAlso, some military participants suggested to implement a third location decompression period before officially returning home as seen by other nations
Consider the familyMilitary participants stress the importance of considering the deployed employee’s family in the reintegration process. While organizations often focus on the returning employee, family involvement is equally crucial. In cases of unit deployment, military unit can organize family days to bring service members and their families together. These events are intended to strengthen family bonds, enhance morale and provide to opportunity to connect with other families. However, when an individual is deployed, their family might lack connections with other families in the same situation. Additionally, organizational support frequently does not extend to the family’s needs before, during and after the deployment

Source(s): Authors’ own work

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