|

Breaking the Stigma: 8 Reasons Hiring Veterans is Good for Business

ByArmyConnect™ Reading Time: 6 minutes

BLUF

Hiring veterans is not only a decision that supports a strong community but also a smart business strategy. The veteran workforce is a valuable source of talent that brings unique and diverse skills to a company. Not only that, but the IRS and VA offer incentives to businesses that hire veterans, making it a financially beneficial decision as well. In this article, we explore the benefits of hiring veterans, veteran job opportunities, and the incentives that businesses can receive.

Related post: Put Your Army Experience to Work: Job Title Examples to Help Bridge the Gap

Introduction

Every year, many veterans leave the military and enter the civilian workforce. Unfortunately, many of them face tough challenges when they transition into a civilian after departing the military. Without access to the right resources and employment opportunities, veterans can struggle to keep their heads above water as they look for stable opportunities in the civilian workforce. But with a little help, veterans can become valuable assets to any business. In fact, there are plenty of incentives for businesses to hire veterans who have the qualities and skills that make them outstanding employees. According to the US Department of Labor, veterans are very well-prepared to become successful in the corporate world. Here are eight reasons businesses benefit from hiring veterans. With specialized experience, tech-savviness, a culture of resourcefulness, and more, veterans offer businesses a wealth of knowledge and skills that can bring many benefits. Breaking the stigma around hiring veterans is an important step in giving them the chance they deserve to build a successful career in the civilian workforce.

What are the benefits of hiring veterans?

Hiring veterans brings a range of benefits to a business, including:

  • Unique skill sets: Veterans have undergone extensive training and have unique skills that can translate well into the workforce. They have experience working in high-pressure situations, understand problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership. Additionally, many veterans are multi-faceted; they understand working outside a single task or team. 
  • Diversity: Veterans come from all walks of life, and their experiences bring a unique perspective to the workplace. This diversity can lead to increased creativity and innovation.
  • Loyalty: we know Veterans for their loyalty and commitment to their employer. They understand the value of teamwork and will do what it takes to accomplish a task.

What are the veteran job opportunities?

There are many job opportunities available to veterans, including:

  • Government sector jobs: Veterans and their spouses receive hiring preference for federal jobs, and many state and local governments offer similar programs based on their character of service. Typically, an ‘honorable’ or ‘general’ discharge.
  • Private sector jobs: Many companies have made a commitment to hiring veterans and have created programs to help them transition into the workforce. Some of these companies include Amazon, Walmart, and JP Morgan Chase.
  • Entrepreneurship or solopreneur: Veterans have a unique skill set that can make them successful entrepreneurs. The Transition Assistance Program (Army TAP) may provide resources to veterans who want to start their own businesses. Also, the Small Business Administration (SBA) offers support to veteran-owned businesses.
Breaking the Stigma: 8 Reasons Hiring Veterans is Good for Business Incentives

What are 8 Incentives for Hiring Veterans?

Daniel J. Boorstin said, “The fog of information can drive out knowledge (1983).” Sometimes we assume that many veteran benefits are well-known because a counselor mentions it during a brief, or we see it on a brochure. ArmyConnect™ is here to help spread the word; we want to educate you and for you to educate others. Here are eight incentives employers should know so you don’t get lost in the fog.

  1. Strong Work Ethic: Veterans have a strong work ethic, discipline, and dedication. They are accustomed to working long hours and adapting to changing circumstances. Their attributes make them ideal employees who can be relied on to get the job done.
  2. Teamwork Skills: Veterans have extensive experience working in teams and collaborating with others to achieve common goals. They understand the importance of communication, cooperation, and accountability, which are essential skills in any workplace.
  3. Leadership Abilities: Military service requires leadership skills, and veterans bring that experience with them to the civilian workforce. They are adept at leading teams, making tough decisions, and inspiring others to achieve their best. Employers should avoid typecasting veterans based on rank. Non-commissioned Officers carry just as much leadership experience as a commissioned officer. In fact, an NCO is likely to have more direct work experience at all group levels of management. The typical combat arms Staff Sergeant has more experience and knowledge than a new Company Commander. Keep that in mind and don’t short-change the NCO.
    • Small Group: team, squad, and platoon-sized elements are equivalent to groups the size of a retail outlet or smaller. For example, managing an AutoZone or a shift manager at Walmart.
    • Medium Group: company, battalion staff. Former NCOs can manage a group of stores. Or, be a department head or project chief.
    • Large Group: brigade and echelons above brigade (EAB). Call center supervisors, senior trainers or project managers are simple examples.
  4. Technical Skills: Veterans often have technical skills that are highly sought after by employers. They are trained in a variety of areas, including logistics, engineering, aviation, and healthcare, to name just a few.
  5. Adaptable: Veterans have a unique ability to adapt to new situations and environments. They are accustomed to working in high-stress situations and can adjust quickly to changes in the workplace.
  6. Loyalty: Veterans are known for their loyalty – to their country and to their employers. They understand the value of commitment and will work hard to meet the needs of their employer.
  7. Diversity: This is a hot-button item depending on where you live and on what side of the aisle you reside. But politics aside, hiring veterans brings diversity to the workplace. And no, we are not talking race or politics. Veterans come from all walks of life and bring with them a range of experiences, perspectives, and skills. Additionally, veterans have a diverse breadth of job skills, rank, and management to provide to your business. This diversity leads to increased creativity, innovation, and problem-solving.
  8. Financial: There are many incentives for hiring veterans. They bring strong work ethics, teamwork skills, leadership abilities, technical skills, adaptability, loyalty, and diversity to the workplace. Employers who hire veterans benefit from their unique skills and experiences, and can build a strong, dedicated workforce. The IRS and VA provide incentives for businesses that hire veterans, including:
    • Tax credits: The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) offers a tax credit of up to $9,600 per veteran hired. The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) offers tax credits to businesses that hire veterans. The IRS and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provide incentives to businesses to hire veterans. Hiring a veteran not only brings financial benefits, but also unique knowledge and skills to the workforce. Utilizing the WOTC can support veterans transitioning back to civilian life while providing a cost-effective solution for business owners (U.S. Department of Labor 2020). NOTE: WOTC is authorized until December 31, 2025.
    • WOTC Fact Sheet
    • WOTC Quick Reference Guide for Employers
    • Financial assistance: The VA offers financial assistance to businesses that hire veterans with disabilities through the Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) program.
    • Training: The VA also offers training and education programs to help veterans transition into the workforce. The Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program offers salary subsidies to businesses that hire qualified veterans. This incentive is provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to encourage businesses to hire from the veteran workforce (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 2023). By taking advantage of this benefit, businesses not only save money but also gain access to the extensive knowledge and skills that veterans bring to the workplace. It’s a win-win situation for both parties, and the IRS and VA provide resources to help businesses take advantage of this opportunity.

Conclusion

Hiring veterans is not only a patriotic decision, but also a smart business strategy. Veterans bring unique skills and experiences to the workforce, and the IRS and VA offer incentives to businesses that hire them. By hiring veterans, businesses can feel good about supporting a vulnerable population and save money while doing it.

Sources

  • Boorstin, Daniel J. 1983. “Working Profile; Helping the Library of Congress Fulfill Its Mission.” The New York Times. New York: The New York Times, July 8.
  • U.S. Department of Labor. 2020. Work Opportunity Tax Credit. April 17. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/wotc.
  • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 2023. Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E). April 10. https://www.benefits.va.gov/vocrehab/index.asp.

Similar Posts