3 Qualities Veterans Bring to the Workplace
Veterans transitioning to the private sector can bring immense value to your organization. You'll likely find they're some of your most capable, dependable talent.
The business world is still experiencing uncertainty. For years to come, every industry will explore the ramifications of all that's changed about how we work.
It's hard not to compare the changes we've experienced to those of service members transitioning from the military to business. Irving Smith, vice president and general manager, OneADP Norfolk, and former senior director of global Veterans initiatives, ADP, says Veterans possess traits and values that overlap quite a bit with those of excellent job candidates. He says they know how to collaborate and persevere, no matter the circumstances.
As you explore options for building your workforce and company culture, consider the following winning qualities Veterans can bring to the private sector:
1. Loyalty
Turnover is a consistent challenge for organizations. Employees can reassess their career paths anytime, prompting leaders to focus on employee engagement and a strong employer brand to retain talent. Veterans tend to be loyal team members, helping organizations weather periods of higher-than-normal turnover.
"Building a resilient organization starts with understanding that turnover is not only a challenge but an opportunity," Smith says. "We should harness Veterans' commitment, dependability and reliability to succeed amid employment changes."
2. Acuity
The costs associated with listing roles, interviewing candidates and hiring them can be significant, but the real expense of turnover is that the average new employee's time to effectiveness is roughly 18 months. The longer the adjustment period of the candidates you're considering, the more expensive it will be to bring them on board.
Candidates who bring grit, persistence and the ability to learn and assimilate quickly are worth prioritizing. These qualities are common among Veterans transitioning from the military to business.
"Veterans can adapt swiftly to new environments," Smith says, "cutting down on their time to effectiveness."
Due to their military work experiences, Veterans possess a fundamental ability to work hard and make systematic decisions under pressure.
Irving Smith,VP and GM, OneADP Norfolk, and former Sr. Dir. of global Veterans initiatives, ADP
3. Adaptability
Adaptability, including in the face of uncertainty, is another benefit Veterans bring to the workplace.
"Due to their military work experiences, Veterans possess a fundamental ability to work hard and make systematic decisions under pressure," Smith says. "Veterans continue pursuing important objectives even when new challenges present themselves. They understand the value of collaboration and united operation."
Building a vibrant, diverse workforce with Veterans
As leaders make progress on diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I), the conversation around hiring Veterans is evolving. The focus is not solely on what skills a candidate might bring in from basic training but also on how their experience proves their determination and adaptability, even in difficult scenarios.
Veterans transitioning to the private sector can bring immense value to your organization. You'll likely find they're some of your most capable, dependable talent.
Visit ADP's DE&I Resource Center to learn more about how your organization can do and be its best.
