Positive Attributes Former Military Members Bring to the Workplace That Can Help Your Business Soar

If your company is looking for highly motivated staff members who can rapidly get up to speed, here’s a segment of the population you might want to actively recruit: military veterans. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 17.6 million men and women were veterans in 2024, accounting for about 7 percent of the adult civilian population.

As for why companies should consider adding former service members to their employment roles, there are plenty of good reasons. Of course, it’s the right thing to do for those who served our nation. It may also significantly benefit other key company performance measures including productivity and the bottom line.

During National Military Appreciation Month this May, we’re pleased to take this opportunity to point out just a few of the many exceptional attributes that veteran employees bring into the workplace.

Adaptability and Problem-Solving

Military experience often develops professionals who excel at navigating uncertainty, and quickly adapt to new environments, meaning they can hit the ground running as new hires. Their well-developed strategic thinking talents and rapid decision-making skills can help them navigate numerous day-to-day issues, including the ability to come up with creative solutions for complex problems.

Being a Team Player or Team Leader

Leadership and teamwork are core aspects of the military experience. They’re also key skills that come in handy when managing civilian workplace teams. Veteran employees are often well-equipped to lead and able to manage high-pressure situations through their previously honed crisis management skills.

Discipline and Work Ethic

Military training can instill critical workplace habits that matter, including a strong commitment to meeting deadlines, intense attention to detail, accountability and effective time management.

Specialized Skills Development

Military members frequently undergo extensive training over a wide range of fields. For example, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers veteran may bring highly valuable skills into a construction-related business.

Effective Communication and the Ability to Navigate Within an Organization

Military experience can cultivate effective workplace communication, including the ability to convey information in a clear, concise way. Those who served are also likely to understand the importance of maintaining office communication protocols and working through the chain of command when challenges arise.

Both the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce offer extensive resources to help organizations launch veteran hiring initiatives. Partnering with the right Professional Employer Organization can also help companies identify additional strategies to help companies optimize their workforce.