Why Top Employers Are Adopting Veteran Recruiting Strategies
Hiring military veterans has evolved from a philanthropic gesture into a core business strategy for many top U.S. employers. Organizations have recognized that veterans represent a talent pool rich with unique strengths and capabilities. A majority are educated, detail-oriented, disciplined, and possess a strong work ethic, making them valuable additions to any enterprise.
This shift in perception is why leading companies actively brand themselves as "veteran-friendly" to attract this qualified talent. It is a strategic move to gain a competitive advantage by leveraging the distinct skills of former service members.
The Key Qualities Veterans Bring to the Workplace
Veterans are some of the most competent, technically trained, and entrepreneurial individuals available. Companies that invest in recruiting and retaining veterans see significant returns. The skills honed during military service are directly applicable to the challenges of the modern workplace.
Refined Leadership Skills
Leadership development is a critical component of military training. Service members learn to lead teams, delegate tasks, and motivate others, often in high-stress environments. In a corporate setting, this translates to composed, confident leaders who can guide their teams to meet goals and build morale.
Accelerated Learning Curve
Veterans are trained to be quick learners, capable of grasping new skills and concepts efficiently. They enter the workforce with identifiable, transferable skills that have been tested in real-world scenarios, allowing them to adapt to new workplace cultures and roles with ease.
Strong Work Ethic
The armed forces instill a powerful work ethic, as unfocused work can have serious consequences. This training develops a mindset focused on mission completion. For an organization, this commitment translates to consistency, self-discipline, reliability, and professional maturity.
Technical Acumen and Global Perspective
Through their service, many veterans gain exposure to cutting-edge technology and global trends. This experience provides them with the technical savvy and international outlook needed to excel in a variety of industries.
A CareerBuilder survey highlights the specific skills employers value in veteran employees:
- Disciplined approach to work: 63%
- Team player: 62%
- Integrity and respect: 59%
- Ability to work under pressure: 54%
- Leadership skills: 52%
- Problem-solving skills: 48%
- Quick adaption: 46%
Financial Incentives for Hiring Veterans
Beyond the strategic skills advantage, the U.S. government provides financial incentives to companies that employ veterans.
- Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC): This program offers tax credits to employers based on the veteran's wages and hours worked. For a veteran who works at least 400 hours in their first year, an employer can claim a tax credit equal to 40% of their first-year wages.
- Returning Heroes Tax Credit: This credit applies to companies that hire veterans who have been unemployed for a specific period, providing further financial benefits.
The Rising Trend of Veteran Employment
A multi-year study by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s "Hiring Our Heroes" (HOH) program confirmed that veterans are a top-three recruitment target for major U.S. companies. The "Veteran Employment Survey" (2015-2016) showed a dramatic increase in employer efforts to recruit and hire veterans. While progress has been made, the study also indicated a need for more streamlined efforts to close the gap between civilian employers and military personnel.
Leading Companies with Veteran Hiring Initiatives
- The Walt Disney Company: The "Heroes Work Here" initiative, started in 2012, has resulted in over 5,000 job offers to qualified veterans for roles across the company.
- Walmart: Through its "Veterans Welcome Home Commitment," the retail giant planned to hire 200,000 veteran employees by 2020, exceeding its initial goal of 100,000.
- The Federal Government: A significant employer of veterans, the federal government hires nearly half of all military veterans transitioning to civilian life. Veterans comprise 46.5% of civilian employees in the Department of Defense alone.