what are the advantages of hiring veterans and their spouses?
There are several benefits to hiring Veterans and Military Spouses. From practical to financial perspectives. Let’s first explore some advantages specifically around Veteran hiring.
first, an OVERVIEW OF MILITARY PERSONNEL (2/18)
The total number of U.S. military personnel is over 3.1 million:
• Active Duty military personnel (1,347,106)
• DoD civilian personnel (875,257)
By branch:
Army: 46.5%
Air Force: 21.7%
Navy: 17.8%
Marine Corps: 12.0%
Coast Guard: 2.0%
DIVERSITY IN THE MILITARY WILL KEEP GROWING
The Veteran population is predicted to decline to 13.6 million in 2037, and the numbers for gender and race/ethnicity are increasing. Active duty female and minority Vets are expected to significantly increase in the same timeframe - from 23.2 percent of the total veteran population in 2017, to 32.8 percent by 2037.
Diversity and Inclusion Programs
In 2020, there are over 25,000 HR professionals with “Diversity“ or “Inclusion“ in their job title. A decade ago, this job function did not exist. What an important aspect of business and society these functions have become!
These professionals are currently blazing trails in hiring practices and defining what it means to be a business enterprise, decades from now.
It’s important to recognize Veterans as a protected group. According to SHRM, 90% of Veterans say they have faced challenges when looking for employment. That sounds like all of us, but Veterans are the ones making the biggest sacrifices for years before they even begin looking for a civilian job. Additionally, 49% of SMBs in the U.S. are struggling to find the best ways to start hiring Veterans. It’s up to these D&I professionals to advocate for a diverse and inclusive workplace, for Vets who are often misunderstood by potential employers, who may assume, for example, that PTSD is common among Veterans. Diversity is about how we contribute our unique experiences, backgrounds and ideas. Consider the skills, experiences and perspectives that Veterans can bring to the workplace:
Unrivaled understanding of teamwork, leadership and work ethic.
They can adapt quickly to changing situations.
They have worked with cutting-edge technology and are comfortable in matrixed environments.
They have international experience.
Vets are Happy to Refer
Happy employees are walking billboards. Veterans are a tight community that looks out for its own and shares information and opportunities. Make sure your company prioritizes diverse referrals.
Veterans Receive Education Assistance
Veterans have incentives for making themselves, and your company, BETTER! Vets are able to take advantage of accreditation opportunities and degree opportunities that could bolster your businesses talent pool.
Veterans Understand Health and Safety
As we navigate COVID-19, the new dynamic emerging will have everything to do with Health and Safety in the workplace. Hiring Vets will save you a lot of time and energy in training. Veterans are trained to take health and safety protocols extremely seriously. Take advantage of their experience!
Hiring a Veteran Saves You Money
The U.S. Government’s Special Employer Incentives (SEI) program enables employers to hire a qualified Veteran trainee at an apprenticeship wage. Employers are also reimbursed up to 50% of the Veteran’s salary to cover certain supplies and equipment, additional instruction expenses and any loss in production.
Hiring a Veteran Means Tax Incentives
If you hire an eligible unemployed veteran, your business can take advantage of a number of tax incentives. The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), Returning Heroes Tax Credit and Wounded Warriors Tax Credit can provide your company with annual incentives of up to $9,600.
Veterans Preference
Since the Civil War, and for recognizing their sacrifice, Veterans have been given preference for Federal jobs. Veterans who are disabled or who served on active duty during certain specified time periods or in military campaigns are entitled to preference over civilians both in hiring from competitive lists and in retention during reductions in force.
Military Spouse Preference
Military spouses have an advantage called a noncompetitive appointment. This category is available to a military spouse who is relocating with a service member, a spouse of a 100 percent disabled service member due to a service-connected disability, and a spouse of a service member killed while on active duty.
When a spouse is relocating to a new duty station, the spouse has two years to seek employment under the military spouse noncompetitive appointment.
Most Importantly, Veterans Don’t Give Up
Looking for resilient team-members? Hire a veteran. Military personnel are trained to be relentless in achieving their goals, and they can help your team show more initiative in order to overcome monumental hurdles.
