Posted on: Monday, December 31, 2001

60 SECONDS ON BUSINESS
Military unit lauded for career program

By Dr. Drake Beil
President, Solutions Inc.

How does your company show they care about your mental health and overall wellness? Do you think your employer has taken a hard look at your training and educational needs, and has designed them to enable you to become the best you can be?

Career development is one of the five criteria for a healthy workplace. Others are health, safety and security; family support; community citizenship and employee involvement.

The Hawaii Psychological Association recognized 19 Hawai'i-based organizations for their outstanding workplace practices, and six received special awards for excellence. The 115th Military Intelligence Group won top honors for the category of military organization. (For the complete list, go to hawaiipsych.org.)

One outstanding feature of the 115th is its Human Development Program, a comprehensive approach to supporting the readiness needs of the unit. A recognizable foundation to readiness is its employee training and career development program. The emphasis on career counseling in the military unit is evident; and on the civilian side of the organization, there is an activity career program manager appointed to mentor and guide junior civilian employees to become senior-level government employees.

The overall program was developed on the premise that soldiers' effectiveness is related to their "wellness." The philosophy shifted from the traditional illness- and problem-focused approach to one based on wellness delivery that is directed toward soldiers and their dependents.

Reach Dr. Drake Beil at drake@60secondsonbusiness.