The unparalleled leadership of veterans

HR professionals have a significant role in supporting veterans as they transition into civilian careers. In 2022, Michigan’s veteran labor force consisted of 372,000 employed veterans. Axios HR aims to spotlight the unique skills and experiences that each veteran brings to the workplace and encourage others to do the same.

Veterans' Day is not just a holiday—It's an opportunity to reflect on the leadership, dedication, and resilience our veterans bring to the table. It is not only important to observe the day but also to identify ways businesses can engage with their veteran employees to ensure the best experience.

Veteran's Day is an annual holiday on November 11th and was first commemorated in 1919 to celebrate the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Eventually, it encompassed the efforts of World War II and the Korean War. It has since been a day to honor American veterans and emphasize the tremendous sacrifices they have made for our nation.

Recognizing and celebrating Veterans Day in the workplace is of paramount importance. This day serves as an opportunity for us to acknowledge the unique skills and experiences of our veteran colleagues. By celebrating their service and integrating their unique perspectives, we create a more inclusive, understanding, and enriched work environment. 

It’s also an opportunity to learn from and about our veteran colleagues, expressing our gratitude for their service and reinforcing their value in our workplaces. It educates other employees about the sacrifices veterans have made and the significant challenges they face when transitioning to civilian life, fostering a culture of empathy, respect, and mutual support.

Veterans are significant assets to any organization, especially with soft skills like goal building, strong work ethic, and clear communication. To be in a position to use these skills, a work environment must allow them to feel comfortable to do so.

Transitioning from a military lifestyle to a workplace environment can often pose a considerable challenge to veterans. The contrast between the controlled nature of military service and the more flexible nature of civilian workplaces can be stark. By understanding the unique experiences and backgrounds of veterans, HR professionals and business owners can help translate military skills into civilian job roles and can design programs tailored to build upon these skills.

Equally important is the support HR can provide in promoting the mental health of veterans. With a substantial number of veterans experiencing PTSD or other mental health challenges, HR's role in facilitating a safe and accommodating workplace is invaluable. This might include implementing policies and practices like quiet workspaces and resources for mental health support.

As HR professionals, assisting veterans transition to civilian careers isn't just a duty—it's an opportunity to tap into an exceptionally skilled and dedicated talent pool. In doing so, we enhance not just the lives of these veterans but also enrich our workplaces with their unique perspectives and experiences.

To create a welcoming space for veterans, businesses and their leadership need to be aware of the culture they create. Make actionable choices that show your dedication to employee wellness. For example, our staffing division, Staffing Inc., is a Silver-Level Veteran-Friendly Employer. This shows our teams are knowledgeable about transitioning veterans into the civilian workforce, have a history of long-term employment, and provide assistance to veterans and their families.

In addition to ongoing support, the Axios HR team and our families will attend the Grand Rapids Griffins Veterans Day game to recognize our team’s veterans. We also will be hosting/attending a Holiday Bingo night in December with all proceeds to support local veterans in need. Details can be found here. 

Since our beginning, we’ve employed over 50 veterans, and we are grateful to them for bringing a wealth of knowledge to the workplace that is invaluable. This Veterans' Day, let's take the time to honor these individuals, acknowledge their sacrifices, and recognize the strengths they bring to our teams.