Supporting Veterans in the Workplace

This year marks the 85th anniversary of Veteran’s Day in the United States. Today, it remains a day of “celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.” Each year, Veteran’s Day provides us an opportunity to say thank you to all the men and women in our communities who have given so much for our country. 

One of the most important ways to express our collective gratitude is to show support for veterans returning to civilian life at the end of their service. This includes supporting them in our businesses and workplaces. 

According to recent data, approximately 200,000 service members transition out of the U.S. military and into the workforce every year. Fifty-five percent of those veterans indicated securing post-service employment was the most challenging aspect of that transition.   

From a business perspective, employing veterans not only serves as an important way to acknowledge your appreciation for their service but also has a positive impact on your bottom line. For example, employers can receive a Work Opportunity Tax Credit for hiring qualified veterans. This dollar-for-dollar credit can result in up to $9,600 of annual tax savings per qualifying veteran. Studies also indicate veterans experience lower turnover rates than non-military employees, making veteran employees extremely valuable in a tight labor market.

Additionally, companies who actively seek out veteran employment candidates have reported improved job performance, a more diverse and talent-driven organizational culture, improved leadership among core teams, and positive increases in problem-solving and decision-making metrics.

There are several ways employers in our community can actively seek out veteran employment candidates. Organizations like the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve program connect employers to potential candidates with a military background. Reaching out to college and university career centers and networking with military community centers is also a great way to connect with potential applicants.

It is also important to keep in mind that the sacrifice of service entitles veterans to special legal protections in the workplace. While generally applicable labor laws, like the Family Medical Leave Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, apply to all Americans, veterans fall into a unique category.  

For example, the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-employment Rights Act (USERRA) protects qualified employees who are called to military duty while working at a civilian job. USERRA provides qualified veterans with a variety of benefits, including re-employment protection, benefit continuation, pension protection, and preventing termination. 

USERRA also prevents employers from discriminating or retaliating against employees or applicants based upon their membership in, application for, or performance in a uniformed service. Becoming familiar with these laws will help employers ensure veterans receive adequate protection and allow them to focus on building their skills, knowledge, and talent to help your business grow its competitive advantage.

This Veteran’s Day, we should all take a moment to thank those who have dedicated themselves to the service of our country and offer them our support as they transition into civilian life. Take a look at more on employment and legal protections for veterans to stay informed.