Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is a Department of Defense program that develops and promotes supportive work environments for service members in the reserve components. Indiana’s ESGR is a DOD field agency composed primarily of 95 volunteers within the state of Indiana.
ESGR's goal is for all employers to support and value the employment of members of the National Guard and Reserve, thereby increasing reserve component readiness. Through outreach and education, ESGR works to increase awareness of applicable laws, i.e., the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA), and to resolve employment conflicts between service members and their employers. ESGR’s recognition and awards programs, helps to strengthen relationships between service members and supportive employers while honoring the sacrifices employers make year after year.
There may come a time when the relationship with your employer becomes strained because of your military obligations. The following steps are designed to help you resolve a problem with your employer that is related to your military service:
ESGR understands the unique talents and skill set Guard and Reserve Service members can bring to the civilian workforce. To make this arrangement work, both parties must be aware of their rights and responsibilities under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act.
Our hope is that by creating a culture in which all American employers value the military service of their employees, we will limit any issues between employers and Service members. ESGR is able to answer any questions you may have regarding your rights and responsibilities in the employment of Guard or Reserve Service members.
Our dedicated volunteers come from all walks of life. We are business executives, civic leaders, and patriotic citizens who volunteer as ombudsmen, outreach to service members and employers, or as public relations professionals.
Members of the Guard and Reserve and their civilian employers form an alliance essential to the security of our Nation. These brave men and women perform critical roles in disaster relief efforts at home and abroad, and continue to serve around the world to ensure our freedom. They could not perform their critical mission without support from people like you.
Your involvement, in whatever capacity you choose, can improve the relationships our brave men and women have with their employers while they continually place themselves in harm’s way, leave their families, and put their careers on hold to preserve our way of life.
Contact us to learn how to volunteer for the Indiana ESGR.
Learn more: https://www.esgr.mil/Volunteers/Become-a-Volunteer
DOD ESGR Customer Service Center The customer service center is available to answer USERRA questions or refer cases to a trained ombudsman. Contact the customer service center Monday through Friday (except federal holidays) from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (ET):
Indiana ESGR Office Tyndall Armory 711 North Pennsylvania Street, First Floor Indianapolis, IN 46204
Indiana Department of Labor 402 West Washington Street, Room W195 Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
Did you know the Indiana National Guard has a mobile phone app?
ESGR offers a Statement of Support program where employers can sign a pledge to support the military service of their employees. Simultaneously, ESGR offers a progressive awards program so you can nominate a supportive supervisor or employer for support that goes above and beyond what is required by law.
Our hope is by creating a culture in which all American employers value the military service of their employees, we will limit any issues between employers and Service members. When issues do arise, ESGR offers free, neutral mediation and information on what the law requires.
Learn more: https://www.esgr.mil/Service-Members-Family/How-ESGR-Can-Help
