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The Importance of Hiring Veterans in the Workplace

The Importance of Hiring Veterans in the Workplace

Employers are always looking for ways to improve their company's talent acquisition and retention strategies. One group that should be considered in this search is veterans. Hiring veterans can bring a range of benefits to your company.

Read on to explore the importance of hiring veterans in the workplace and how it can widen your talent acquisition strategies and bolster retention rates.

 

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The Value of Veterans in the Workplace

Veterans bring unique skills and experiences to the workplace that can be incredibly valuable to your organization. They are often highly disciplined and have a strong work ethic. They are also used to working in high-pressure situations, which can be an asset in a fast-paced work environment. Additionally, many veterans have received specialized training in areas like logistics, leadership, and technical skills that can be directly applicable to various industries.

Veterans are excellent hires because of their proven work ethic, resiliency, reliability, and discipline. Veterans rely on work ethic and discipline to get things done in a structured, efficient manner. Having a team member who confronts issues, head-on should attract employers seeking candidates with excellent problem-solving capabilities.  

 

 

Widening Talent Acquisition Strategies and Talent Pools

In today's job market, widening your talent acquisition strategies to attract diverse talent pools is essential. Hiring veterans can help achieve this goal, as veterans come from all walks of life and possess various skills and experiences. 

By opening up your company to veterans, you can tap into a rich and diverse talent pool that may have otherwise gone untapped.

Hiring veterans can also help your organization achieve diversity and inclusion goals. Veterans come from all races, genders, and backgrounds, making them an ideal group to consider when creating a more diverse workforce. By welcoming veterans into your company, you're not only broadening your talent pool, but you're also creating a more inclusive work environment.

Here are some actionable ways and strategies for hiring veterans:

1. Develop Partnerships with Veteran Organizations

Partnering with veteran organizations can be a highly effective way to connect with veteran job seekers. Organizations like the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Hire Heroes USA, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars have networks of highly skilled and motivated veterans seeking employment opportunities. By partnering with these organizations, you can tap into their networks and access a pool of highly qualified job candidates.

2. Translate Military Skills into Civilian Skills

One common challenge in hiring veterans is understanding how their military skills and experiences translate into civilian jobs. To overcome this challenge, it's essential to have a deep understanding of the roles and responsibilities that veterans have had in the military and how those roles relate to specific jobs within your company. You can work with veteran job seekers to help them understand how their military experience can be applied to your open positions and how their skills can be translated into civilian terms.

3. Create a Veteran-Friendly Workplace

Creating a veteran-friendly workplace can help attract and retain veteran employees. This can include offering flexible work arrangements to accommodate reservist duties, providing opportunities for professional development, and creating a sense of community and support through a veterans' resource group. Moreover, it's essential to be mindful of the unique challenges that veterans may face, such as PTSD, and provide the necessary support and resources to help them succeed in their roles.

By implementing these strategies, you can ensure that your company is attracting top veteran talent and providing the necessary support and resources to retain them and help them thrive within your organization.

 

Bolstering Retention Rates

Retention is a significant concern for many companies. High turnover rates can be costly, and the loss of skilled workers can harm company performance. Hiring veterans can bolster retention rates in a few ways.

Veterans often maintain a strong understanding of loyalty. This trait is often developed through their military service. A strong understanding of loyalty can translate into a long-term commitment to your company, reducing turnover rates and associated costs.

Veterans receive training in the military that can be translated into roles within your organization. This reduces the training required when hiring veteran candidates. This means they can hit the ground running and be productive from day one, reducing the chances of frustration or burnout and increasing job satisfaction.

When looking for a job, veterans often seek employers aligning with their values and beliefs, particularly those related to teamwork, respect, and leadership. By highlighting these values in your company culture, you're more likely to attract and retain veterans who share those values.

 

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Retaining Veterans Within Your Organization

Hiring veterans is just the first step. Once they're hired, it's essential to have the infrastructure in place to retain them. One way is to create a veteran's resource group (VRG) within your company. This group can provide support and resources to veterans, creating a sense of community and connection within the workplace.

Providing opportunities for veterans to continue their education and training is also essential. Many veterans are eager to continue learning and growing, and providing access to professional development opportunities can help keep them engaged and motivated.

Recognizing veterans’ unique skills and experiences and the value they bring to your workplace can help foster a sense of belonging and increase job satisfaction, ultimately leading to higher retention rates.

Hiring veterans can bring a range of benefits to your company. From the unique skills and experiences they bring to the workplace to the increased diversity and retention rates, they can help achieve. As an HR professional or employer, it's essential to consider veterans when looking to widen your talent acquisition strategies and create a more inclusive work environment. By doing so, you can create a workplace that's not only more diverse but also more productive and successful.

 

Additional Resources

You can also stay informed, educated, and up-to-date with all things HR by using BerniePortal’s comprehensive resources:

  • BernieU—free online HR courses, approved for SHRM and HRCI recertification credit

  • BerniePortal Blog—a one-stop-shop for HR industry news

  • HR Glossary—featuring the most common HR terms, acronyms, and compliance

  • HR Guides—essential pillars covering an extensive list of comprehensive HR topics

  • HR Party of One—our popular YouTube series and podcast, covering emerging HR trends and enduring HR topics

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