Strategies for Better Veteran Employment Retention

Veterans bring a wealth of skills, discipline, and resilience to the civilian workforce, making them invaluable assets. However, transitioning from military to civilian life often presents unique challenges that can impact job retention, especially in sectors like healthcare where the demand for dedicated professionals is critical. Veteran employment retention goes beyond reducing turnover costs — it involves fostering a diverse, stable workforce that benefits from Veterans’ unique experiences and perspectives.

To help you better retain your Veteran staff members, we’ll explore some effective strategies that organizations can implement to support Veterans in their transition and cultivate a Veteran-friendly workplace. By creating an environment that values Veterans’ strengths and addresses their needs, companies not only support their mission but also build a loyal, skilled workforce committed to long-term success.

Why is employee retention important?

For businesses in any sector, employee turnover is costly. This is exacerbated in healthcare where there is already a workforce shortage. Research from Gallup has found that the average cost of replacing a staff member who has left your organization is 50-200% of their salary. Furthermore, other studies have found that 1-in-3 staff members will leave within two years of their hire date. These costs will quickly add up.

The benefits of retention go beyond dollars and cents, however. By creating a stable workforce where staff members feel empowered to stay for the long term, your organization will avoid the brain drain that accompanies frequent turnover. For healthcare organizations, stability translates directly into better patient experience and care.

Effective retention also leads to higher levels of psychological safety. This is especially important for Veteran employment retention programs, as Veterans have reported finding it difficult to transition from military to corporate culture.

Veteran employment retention strategies

Now that we have a better understanding of why employee retention, in general, can help your organization, let’s explore how you can better retain the Veteran members of your staff.

Military-to-civilian employment transition

According to the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), 200,000 military members transition to civilian life every year. For many of these individuals, finding their way in the workforce can prove difficult. One of the big reasons for this is the differences among military, civilian, and corporate cultures.

The transition from military to civilian life presents unique challenges for Veterans, but employers can play a crucial role in making this shift smoother. Veterans bring valuable skills, like leadership, discipline, and resilience, yet many encounter difficulties translating these attributes into civilian workplace norms.

To bridge this gap, companies can offer targeted onboarding and career development programs. Veterans in transition may struggle to identify civilian roles that align with their military experience, and training sessions that translate military skills into business terms can be highly effective. Additionally, providing clear career pathways and advancement opportunities demonstrates to Veterans that the company values their experience and is committed to their growth.

Workplace support for veterans

Supporting Veterans in the workforce requires a thoughtful approach that acknowledges their unique skills and transition challenges. Veterans bring strengths like resilience, leadership, and mission-focused discipline to the workplace. However, moving from military to civilian life can pose difficulties, particularly in navigating less structured environments and translating military skills into civilian terms.

To offer effective support, organizations can:

• Build a Veteran-friendly culture: One of the best ways to support Veterans is by fostering an inclusive culture that values their experiences. Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) for Veterans, as well as mentorship programs, can help Veterans feel connected and understood. Some companies extend this support by educating other employees on military culture, which promotes empathy and reduces misunderstandings in communication and expectations.
• Provide health and wellness accommodations: For many Veterans, mental health or physical accommodations are essential for success. Companies can proactively offer resources for mental health, including PTSD support, and ensure that workplaces are adaptable to physical needs. Flexible leave policies for military obligations and ongoing feedback on job performance also help Veterans feel secure and valued.

Utilize Veterans Affairs employment resources

Leveraging VA resources can significantly enhance an organization’s Veteran employment retention abilities by addressing this population’s unique needs and easing the transition into civilian careers. The VA offers various programs and tools that employers can integrate to support Veteran retention efforts.

Tap into the Transition Assistance Program (TAP)

The VA’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP) provides critical information and tools for Veterans moving from military to civilian life. Through TAP, Veterans receive support for understanding their benefits, including health care, family support, disability compensation, and career education.

Employers can encourage Veteran employees to participate in TAP offerings to help them maximize the benefits they’ve earned and better understand resources that can support their health and well-being in the workplace.

Utilize VA’s skills translation resources

Many Veterans struggle to translate their military skills into civilian language. VA resources, such as the Veterans Employment Toolkit, can help employers better understand the strengths and experiences Veterans bring. The toolkit offers guidance on skill translation, effective onboarding practices, and training modules for company leaders on supporting Veterans. By integrating these resources, employers can create more effective onboarding programs tailored to Veterans’ backgrounds.

Partner with VA-backed networking and mentorship programs

Companies can retain Veterans by connecting them to VA-sponsored networking groups, mentorship opportunities, and affinity groups that extend beyond the workplace. Veterans often miss the camaraderie of military life, and building external support systems with VA partners can bridge this gap. Programs like VA’s Veteran Peer Support Network provide an avenue for Veterans to build relationships and access mental health support, which is crucial for long-term success and retention.

By actively using VA resources, companies show their commitment to Veterans’ success, ultimately fostering a workplace where Veterans feel supported, understood, and valued — which strengthens their commitment to the organization.