Under the Uniformed Service Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994, veterans have the right to job protection. The act allows guardsmen, active reservists and veterans to keep their jobs or to find employment in similar jobs during or after service. In addition, employers must reasonably accommodate any injured or disabled veterans. The right to jobs for veterans doesn’t only benefit them, however. Employers also gain quite a bit by hiring vets, whether that means rehiring a former employees or hiring someone who has never worked for the company before.
Specialized Skillsets
Employers who provide jobs for veterans end up hiring people with specialized training in some of the country’s most recognized fields. Common industries in which veterans have trained include engineering, security and medical. Many veterans are also skilled in computers, financial services and administrative and personal services. Members of the military begin receiving training as soon as they enlist and are often more skilled than their entry-level civilian counterparts.
Team Training
Members of the military cannot be successful unless they are able to work with a team of their peers. Military culture focuses almost entirely on achievement via cooperation and being able to work together in synchronization is a requirement. These skills translate well to nearly any industry. Businesses that provide jobs for veterans often find their employees get more product off the floor and out the door, which means more money for the company.
Strong Leadership Abilities
Nearly every member of the military has acted in a position of leadership. The average Marine, for example, is just 19 years old and becomes a non-commissioned officer in a leadership position at just 20 years old. By comparison, people who do not enlist in the military usually do not enter into a position of leadership until they are much older. Additionally, every time a member of the military advances in rank, he or she also takes on more leadership responsibility. For a business who provides jobs for veterans, this means employees who are able to give directions and to motivate and inspire their peers to achieve more, leading to better business and more satisfied customers.
Personal Responsibility
To be successful in a team environment, members of the military must have a strong sense of personal responsibility. Because they are in charge of protecting the lives of others, there are serious consequences for those who shirk their responsibilities. Veterans are known to be on time, to function well under authority and within set guidelines, and to be able to absorb large quantities of information from a wide range of sources quickly and efficiently. They are also able to make quick decisions. This quick thinking means less time making decisions and more time in actually providing products or services.
A Sense of Urgency
Deadline-driven industries are especially good matches for jobs for veterans. Those who have been in the military work very well under pressure and are used to strict deadlines and to having to do their job right the first time. Veterans are experienced at setting, prioritizing and accomplishing goals using multitasking and time management.
The Draw of Patriotism
Even without factoring in the benefits of hiring somebody who is already highly trained, providing jobs for veterans can boost business simply because many people are more willing to do business with a company that has proved its patriotism.
Financial Considerations
Offering jobs to veterans has several financial benefits for companies. The government pays for veterans to continue their education, which means employers might have employees who consistently improve their skills at no cost to the company. Hiring veterans also looks very good for companies who bid on government contracts. Additionally, companies who hire veterans might be eligible for tax credits. Eligibility is based on factors such as when the veteran was hired, how long he or she has worked with the company, how many hours he or she works and how much he or she earned during the first year of employment. The amount of the tax credit also varies based on whether the company is a non-profit or for-profit and whether the veteran is disabled. Simply put, there isn’t much not to like about providing jobs for veterans. Employees have a way to supplement any military income and provide for their families, and employers receive well-trained, highly skilled employees who are able to operate a business effectively, thereby boosting sales. To learn more about hiring veterans or to find other quality tips for bettering a business, check out the other resources at Mighty Recruiter.