About 200,000 U.S. military members transition back to civilian life every year. Hiring vets is a great way to thank them for their service while helping them ease this re-entry. Moreover, your company can benefit greatly from the knowledge and skillsets that former military personnel often offer, as well as IRS and Veterans Administration (VA) tax breaks and salary subsidies.
Financial Incentives for Hiring Veterans
As an employer, you can save money while hiring veterans through these government programs:
- The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC): a deduction you can get from hiring certain groups including vets. Depending on your number of veteran hires, your WOTC tax credit can add up to significant tax savings.
- The Veteran Readiness and Employment program: This program reimburses up to half of a veteran employee’s salary, plus certain related costs such as training, supplies and equipment, for up to six months. Eligibility is on a case-by-case basis.
- The Department of Defense SkillBridge program: Through internships during their final days of service, veterans gain civilian career experience while the government pays their salaries and benefits.
Top Veteran Skills and Attributes
Here are some of the many valuable capabilities and traits that veterans tend to bring to their new workplace:
- A strong work ethic: Military training and experience emphasizes commitment, punctuality, determination and professionalism. Veterans are accustomed to working long hours and in high-pressure situations.
- Organizational skills: The regimented structure of the military helps people develop impressive organizational abilities and adeptness at prioritizing tasks.
- Accountability: In the military, making a mistake can have serious – even life threatening – consequences. So veterans take assignments seriously and have high levels of personal accountability.
- Leadership skills: Veterans typically learn to delegate, give clear instructions, provide actionable feedback, and lead by example.
- Ability to learn quickly: Because they are accustomed to completing rigorous training, veterans tend to be fast learners who are comfortable following directions as well as taking on new challenges.
- Teamwork: Veterans have experience working with diverse individuals and effective cooperation to achieve mutual goals. They understand the importance of listening, communication, trust and empathy.
- Stress management strength: Service members must work calmly and carefully, even in the most high-stress situations. They often have strongly developed coping mechanisms and tend to be less overwhelmed by the stressors of most jobs, such as deadlines, quick decisions, or difficult colleagues.
- A solid moral compass: Veterans are known for adhering to values such as integrity, loyalty and respect. These traits make them highly trustworthy employees who prioritize honesty and ethical decision-making. This is one of many ways vets can contribute to a healthy culture throughout your organization.
- Dedication to continuous improvement: Veteran job candidates know the importance of continuous training, development, and operational improvement. They’re accustomed to mastering new skills, adapting to emerging technologies, and staying current on industry and workplace trends.
Hire Top Talent in Modesto Today!
Celebrate Veterans Day this month by hiring a vet. PrideStaff Modesto can help with the temporary/contract, temp-to-hire, and direct-hire personnel you need to round out your winning team. Contact us today to learn more.
