July 25th is National Hire a Veteran Day

On July 25th, we commemorate National Hire a Veteran Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the invaluable skills and experiences that Veterans bring to the workforce. Honed through service to our country, Veterans possess highly desirable qualities such as leadership, discipline, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities—invaluable assets in any industry. As these brave men and women transition back to civilian life, it’s crucial to acknowledge their unique talents and offer them opportunities to thrive in new careers.

Why Hire a Veteran?

Veterans possess a wealth of soft skills, technical know-how, and other qualities that make them exceptional employees. Their military training lends itself to essential workforce attributes, such as discipline and focus. Furthermore, many Veterans often have technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and a strong work ethic, which they have developed through their service. Many Veterans’ MOS (military occupational specialty) provided a vast knowledge base of critical functions that parlay well into the civilian workforce.

Beyond their skills, Veterans bring a unique prospective and diversity of experience to the workplace. Their service has exposed them to different cultures and challenges, enabling Veterans to approach problems with creativity and fresh perspectives.

The Benefits of Hiring Veterans

Hiring Veterans is a way to honor their service and is also a smart business decision. Studies have shown that companies that employ Veterans experience higher retention rates, increased employee morale, and improved productivity. Veterans are dedicated, loyal, and eager to contribute to their communities, making them valuable assets to any organization.

Supporting Veterans In the Workplace

Transitioning back to civilian life can be challenging for many Armed Forces members. They may face obstacles adapting to new work environments, navigating job searches, and managing mental health concerns like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Employers can play a crucial role in supporting Veterans by creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace culture, offering resources and training programs, and providing access to mental health services.

Creating a Supportive Work Environment for Veterans

Employers play a critical role in supporting Veterans’ well-being. Studies have shown that Veterans may experience higher rates of mental health and substance use disorders compared to the general population. This can be attributed to various factors, including combat exposure, traumatic brain injury, and the stress of transitioning back to civilian life.

Recognizing these challenges and creating a workplace culture that is welcoming and understanding of Veterans’ unique experiences can go a long way in helping them feel valued and supported. This can include offering flexible work arrangements, providing access to employee assistance programs (EAPs), and fostering a supporting community among Veteran employees.

Additionally, employers can show their commitment to Veterans’ health by partnering with organizations that provide mental health and addiction treatment services. By offering resources and information to their Veteran employees, employers can help these men and women access the care they need and create a healthier, more productive workforce.

Resources for Veterans and Employers

Several resources are available to both Veterans and employers to help facilitate a successful transition to civilian life and back into the workforce.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers programs like the Veterans Employment Center, which provides job search assistance, career counseling, and training opportunities. Organizations like Hire Heroes USA and RecruitMilitary also connect Veterans with employers seeking to hire them.

If you are a hiring manager who regularly posts jobs on places like Indeed or LinkedIn, other tips for creating Veteran-ready job descriptions include:

• Avoid using years of experience as a requirement. Instead, list must-have and nice-to-have-skills that better identify the skillset you’re looking for.
• Highlight that your company is a Veteran-friendly workplace in your company description.
• Use military-ready language. One of the challenges that many Veterans face when searching for jobs is identifying which jobs match their skills. Make your job descriptions clear and straightforward, avoiding jargon.

Beyond National Hire a Veteran Day

While National Hire a Veteran Day highlights the importance of hiring Veterans, our commitment to their well-being should extend beyond this single day. It’s crucial to continue advocating for policies and programs that support Veterans’ mental and physical health and to create a society that values their contributions and sacrifices.

By working together to support our Veterans, we can ensure they have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive in their post-service lives. Let’s honor their service, hire them, and provide the care and support they deserve.