Military veterans and their families have made significant sacrifices for our country and deserve support as they transition back to civilian life. As a business owner or manager, you have the power to make a positive impact on the lives of these heroes and their loved ones. By providing resources and support to veterans, you not only show your gratitude but also gain a valuable workforce.
However, many businesses may not know where to begin when it comes to supporting military veterans and their families. That’s why there are a variety of resources available to help businesses create a veteran-friendly workplace and offer support beyond employment. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of supporting military veterans and their families.
Hiring Veterans
Hiring military veterans is a direct way businesses can support them, acknowledging their service while leveraging their unique skills and experiences for organizational benefit.
Benefits of Hiring Veterans
Veterans possess valuable skills that can translate to a variety of industries, such as leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability. Additionally, veterans often have experience working in high-pressure situations and can thrive in fast-paced work environments.
Creating a Veteran-Friendly Workplace
When hiring veterans, it’s important to create a welcoming workplace environment that values and supports them. This can include offering resources and accommodations for individuals with disabilities, providing opportunities for professional development and growth, and creating a culture of respect and inclusivity.
Military Verification Service
To ensure that applicants are true veterans, businesses can use a military verification service. This service verifies military service, awards, and qualifications, and can be a helpful tool in the hiring process.
Resources for Finding and Hiring Veterans
There are many resources available for businesses looking to hire veterans. These can include job boards specifically for veterans, partnerships with veteran service organizations, and even tax incentives for businesses that hire veterans.
One such resource is the U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS), which provides job training and employment assistance to veterans and their spouses. Additionally, there are organizations such as Hire Heroes USA and Military.com that offer resources and support to both veterans and businesses looking to hire them.
Providing Services and Support for Veterans and their Families
While hiring veterans is a crucial way to support them, businesses can also offer additional services and support to veterans and their families.
Ways Businesses Can Offer Support
One way businesses can show support is by offering discounts to veterans and their families. This can be in the form of a percentage off purchases, free services, or special offers.
Another way businesses can support veterans is by making donations to organizations that serve them. This can include organizations that provide mental health services, education, and training, or housing assistance.
Additionally, businesses can volunteer their time and resources to support veterans in their community. This can include organizing fundraisers, participating in charity events, or offering pro bono services.
Resources for Connecting with Veteran Service Organizations
Businesses can partner with organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project and the USO, which offer various services to veterans and their families. Establishing connections with local chapters of these veteran service organizations can be done through event participation or specific initiatives. Beyond employment, businesses can positively impact veterans’ lives through offerings like discounts, donations, or volunteering, demonstrating gratitude and support for these heroes.
Legal Requirements for Hiring Veterans
The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) mandates businesses to ensure job protection and employment benefits for military servicemen, including reemployment rights and reasonable disability accommodations. Certain states and localities also offer added protections like preferential hiring and promotion for veterans.
Incentives for Hiring and Supporting Veterans
There are also incentives available for businesses that hire and support veterans. One such incentive is the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), which provides tax credits to businesses that hire veterans who meet certain eligibility criteria. Other incentives can include grants, low-interest loans, and other financial assistance programs.
Overview of Tax Credits and Other Financial Incentives
The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) offers up to $9,600 per veteran hired, varying based on their unemployment duration and disability status. Businesses participating in the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) could receive additional credits. Other incentives may involve grants or low-interest loans from organizations like the Small Business Administration (SBA) or the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Thus, understanding these incentives for hiring veterans can benefit businesses financially while making a positive societal impact.
Conclusion
As we’ve seen, there are many resources and benefits available for businesses that support veterans and their families. From hiring and training programs to financial incentives and community outreach initiatives, there are countless ways for businesses to make a positive impact on the lives of these deserving individuals.
