The Business Case for Hiring Defence Family Members

There is a sound business case for hiring partners and other family members. Employers who don't understand this risk missing an enormous opportunity to secure valuable talent in a competitive labour market.

The exciting thing about partners is that they are a diverse cohort with skills and experience across many industries, occupations and labour markets (Australian and overseas). The small amount of data we have has some interesting insights for employers.

• the majority of spouses are employed (75%). Insight for employers - you are actually competing against other employers for partner talent.
• partners are employed across a wide range of occupations and industries (the majority employed as professionals). Insight for employers - there are likely to be partners out there already skilled and experienced in your line of work.
• the impact of mobility on partner employment is largely negative for the following reasons: mismatch between opportunities and skills/experience/qualifications and desires; hours worked; responsibility levels; pay and earnings. Anecdotal evidence indicates underemployment is a bigger concern than unemployment. Insight for employers - this is an OPPORTUNITY for you to attract skilled and experienced workers with highly desirable personal attributes to your company by tailoring your recruitment and work practices.
• at least some of the unemployment problem is an acute issue linked with mobility and trying to find work in a new location. Insight for employers - offer remote work options and internal transfers and you retain valuable staff and support defence and veteran families.

Employer engagement is a hugely overlooked area when it comes to partner and family employment. This makes it difficult for employers to understand what they can do to compete for family talent. The 2022 Prime Minister's Veterans' Employment Program Awards signaled a change in this area. It was fantastic to see partner talent showcased nationally, and to understand from the employees themselves how they have formed such impressive mutually beneficial employer-employee relationships. The awards for 2023 are now open. IF YOU KNOW OF AN EMPLOYEE OR EMPLOYER WORTHY OF RECOGNITION VOTE NOW.