Members of our Vets@ Dropbox ERG, answer questions on what military activation in the time of a pandemic means

While governments have taken action in the wake of the global pandemic, companies have had to adapt and respond in kind. This means adapting workflows, creating flexible working situations, and calling on policies already in place to support employees.

And for some, it means leaving the safety of home to serve in the military, even after years of inactivity. In a world where change is the new norm, people are being called to serve their country to help with humanitarian efforts like providing food, medical care, and other services.

“For many of you this might effect your family or you personally and I want you all to know that as a company and a community, we stand behind you,” Melanie Collins, VP of People and executive sponsor for our Vets@ ERG said in a recent company-wide email. “Now more than ever it is our job to do what is best for our country, and we appreciate the sacrifices you’ve made to keep us safe.”

When the United States is in a state of emergency, the government has the ability to call upon individuals to serve their country based on their specialized military occupation.

“On the state and federal level you are starting to see states activating their national guardsmen and the Pentagon starting to activate reservist and national guardsmen, to start supporting states in that response,” Sarah Bell, Insights Technical Program Manager and a member of the U.S. Air Force Reserve — Mobile Operations Intel Support, notes.

To drill down into Dropbox’s policy and learn how it affects anyone who is — or works with — a veteran, reservist, or national guardsman, we talked to two members of our Vets@ Dropbox employee resource group: Sarah Bell and Dottie Guy, Program Manager and a veteran of the U.S. Army Military Police Corps.

Q: Who can be called to serve?

A: There are extreme legal restrictions as to what level of orders you have to be on to be called to serve, and it is based on the contract you signed. Generally, those activated are:

• Active duty military
• National Guard — can be called up on state or federal orders
• Reservists
• Individual Ready Reserves (those those who have completed their obligation, and are within their window to be called upon to serve)

“Right now, some National Guard units are being deployed to food banks, to help with those efforts,” Dottie said. “For the most part we are seeing a lot of medical, infrastructure, and in some ways chaplains being deployed.”

Q: What happens if a Dropbox employee gets activated?

A: Step one is to alert your manager and team lead. You’ll work together to plan and communicate any transitional needs during whatever time you have prior to your leave.

While you’re activated you will still receive your Dropbox benefits, and your time away won’t count against your performance. Upon your return, you’ll be back in your original role, and brought up to speed on any relevant changes, goals, or anything else you need to get back to work.

Q: Isn’t it the same no matter where you work?

A: Yes and no. There are federal regulations in place for what employers can and cannot do when an employee is activated. Dropbox makes it easy for military personal to be supported and is dedicated to proactive communication and action.

“The process is really easy, and so far my managers have been extremely understanding when I’ve had to use military leave in the past,” Sarah added. “To have that additional top cover of Dropbox sending out actual comms without anybody asking — it made me feel better, it made me feel supported.”

Q: Is there something non-military employees can do to support?

A: Consider donating to or volunteering with Team Rubicon, an organization that pairs veterans with first-responders and disaster relief professionals to use their skills from their military service to help our communities recover.

Those of us at Dropbox are extremely grateful to those serving our communities during this time. Want to learn more about the other benefits that set our company apart as a great place to work for vets and non-vets alike? Check out our benefits page.