The Value of Veterans in the Civilian Workforce

Employee resource groups (ERGs) are vital in providing support to veterans, helping them feel less isolated and more integrated into their new work environments.

We sit down with Ronnie Bailey, the Human Resources Manager at Bullen Ultrasonics, to talk about a critical topic during this National Veterans and Military Families Month: the value of veterans in the civilian workforce.

We explore the challenges veterans face when transitioning from military to civilian life. This includes the stress of job loss and the mental health issues stemming from a perceived loss of importance.

Ronnie shares his journey from military leadership to HR, highlighting the significance of explaining the "why" to motivate younger workers and how this applies across both military and civilian contexts.

We discuss the importance of veteran services, hiring programs, and the resources available but often unknown to veterans. Ronnie’s experience at Bullen, recognized for its outstanding veteran hiring program, offers a unique perspective on helping veterans translate their military skills into civilian job success.

We also touch on the importance of creating an inclusive workplace culture that values diversity and the unique strengths veterans bring to the table.

Learn more about how employers can better support their veteran employees and the mutual benefits this brings to both veterans and their organizations.

Top Takeaways

Veterans often face significant stress and mental health issues when transitioning from military to civilian life, particularly when job loss forces them to move back with their parents.

Although veteran services and resources are available, many veterans are unaware of how to access them, highlighting the need for better information dissemination.

Employee resource groups (ERGs) are vital in providing support to veterans, helping them feel less isolated and more integrated into their new work environments.

There is often a disconnect between the languages and job tasks understood by veterans and civilian hiring managers, which can complicate job placement and retention.

Motivating younger employees, both in the military and civilian workforce, requires leaders to communicate the purpose and value behind tasks and roles.

Initiatives such as Bullen’s military hiring program, which has received recognition from the US Department of Labor with the Hire Vets Medallion, are crucial for successfully incorporating veterans into civilian jobs.

Veterans might struggle with interviews due to the shift from a team-focused military environment to an individual-focused civilian job market, necessitating specific support and preparation.

Veterans often possess valuable leadership skills and a continuous improvement mindset learned in the military, which is beneficial in civilian roles, particularly in HR and supervision.

Including veterans at all levels within a company enriches the workplace with diverse experiences and perspectives, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment.

While veterans should be provided with the necessary support, treating them equally without undue special treatment is as important as ensuring they feel like a part of the team and the larger valued workforce.

Key Moments

06:23 Former packaging worker explores changing manufacturing processes.

09:42 Career advancement opportunities are less as you climb.

13:32 Good NCOs support and inspire soldiers personally.

17:37 Help new hires understand and sell themselves.

18:44 Connecting veterans and civilian employers through language.

23:14 Unique resume systems assist veterans in translating skills.

27:29 Support group members share resources for assistance.

29:59 Employers benefit from hiring veterans and young adults.

31:51 Employees seek equal recognition, not singling out.

34:59 Supporting veterans through physical and mental challenges.

39:21 Ohio Means Jobs offers funding and support.