10 meaningful ways to honor Veterans in the workplace 

Honoring veterans in the workplace is about more than just expressing gratitude on Veterans Day. It requires intentional actions that recognize their service, support their career growth, and create an inclusive work environment where they can thrive.

Many companies seek ways to show meaningful appreciation for veterans but may not know where to start. This guide outlines 10 powerful initiatives businesses can implement to make a lasting impact on their veteran employees.

1. Organize a Veteran Appreciation Event

Hosting a veteran appreciation event allows employees to hear veterans’ stories, learn from their experiences, and build a culture of gratitude within the workplace.

Actionable Tip: Invite veteran speakers, create a panel discussion, or partner with local veterans’ organizations to share insights on the transition from military to civilian careers.

2. Offer Time Off or Paid Volunteer Time for Veterans Day

Veterans often want to participate in Veterans Day events, parades, or community service activities. Allowing them to take paid time off shows that the company respects and values their service.

Actionable Tip: Extend volunteer opportunities to all employees, encouraging participation in veteran-focused causes such as writing letters to deployed troops or supporting veteran shelters.

3. Host a Veterans Skills Workshop

Veterans bring a wealth of transferable skills, including leadership, discipline, and problem-solving. Hosting a workshop where they can showcase these abilities benefits both the veterans and the entire workforce.

Actionable Tip: Organize a skills showcase session where veteran employees present leadership techniques, crisis management strategies, or technical skills they developed in service.

4. Create a Veterans Support Network Within Your Company

Building a Veterans Employee Resource Group (ERG) fosters camaraderie and provides veterans with a sense of belonging and a support system. This group can help veterans navigate workplace challenges and career development.

Actionable Tip: Appoint veteran leaders to facilitate mentorship, peer support, and networking opportunities within the organization.

5. Provide Mentorship Opportunities for Veterans

Mentorship programs bridge the gap between military and corporate environments. Veterans can benefit from being mentored by senior employees, while their leadership experience also makes them excellent mentors for junior staff.

Actionable Tip: Establish a reverse mentorship program where veterans and non-veterans exchange knowledge and insights, fostering cross-learning.

6. Recognize Veterans During Meetings or Company Communications

A simple yet impactful way to honor veterans is to publicly acknowledge their contributions in newsletters, meetings, and company-wide announcements.

Actionable Tip: Dedicate a Veterans Spotlight feature in internal emails, company websites, or LinkedIn posts to recognize individual veterans’ achievements and career growth.

7. Make Charitable Donations to Veteran Organizations

Supporting veterans extends beyond the workplace. Companies can donate to reputable organizations that provide assistance with housing, education, mental health, and career development for veterans.

Actionable Tip: Launch an employee matching donation program where the company matches employees’ contributions to veteran-focused charities.

8. Host Resume and Interview Workshops for Veterans

Many veterans have exceptional skills but struggle to translate them into corporate resumes and job interviews. Hosting resume-building and interview prep sessions can empower them to succeed in civilian careers.

Actionable Tip: Collaborate with local veteran organizations or HR professionals to provide tailored guidance on crafting resumes that highlight transferable military skills.

9. Highlight Veterans’ Contributions in the Company

Veterans bring unique perspectives, resilience, and leadership qualities to the workplace. Showcasing their achievements within the organization reinforces their value and contributions.

Actionable Tip: Feature veteran employees in company blogs, social media, or case studies that highlight their impact in their roles.

10. Implement a Veteran Hiring Program

Building a sustainable veteran hiring initiative ensures that veterans are recruited, retained, and provided with career advancement opportunities.

Actionable Tip: Partner with GHRCN to develop a structured veteran hiring program that aligns with best practices and ensures long-term success.

Conclusion

Creating a veteran-friendly workplace requires consistent effort, intentional support, and meaningful initiatives. By implementing these 10 strategies, businesses can ensure that veterans feel valued, respected, and empowered to succeed in their careers.

At GHRCN, we help businesses develop effective veteran hiring strategies, mentorship programs, and HR solutions that foster inclusion and long-term success.

📢 Join GHRCN today to access expert guidance on building a veteran-friendly workplace! Visit our website to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is it important to honor veterans in the workplace?

Veterans bring strong leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that enrich the workplace. Honoring them creates an inclusive culture and fosters employee engagement.

2. How can companies make Veterans Day meaningful for employees?

Companies can offer paid time off, host appreciation events, and share veterans’ stories to recognize their contributions.

3. What is a Veterans Employee Resource Group (ERG)?

A Veterans ERG is an internal company network dedicated to supporting, mentoring, and advocating for veteran employees.

4. How can businesses support veterans beyond Veterans Day?

Long-term initiatives, such as mentorship programs, career development workshops, and veteran hiring initiatives, create ongoing support for veterans in the workforce.

5. How does GHRCN help businesses build veteran-friendly workplaces?

GHRCN provides expert HR consulting, training, and strategic solutions to help companies attract, retain, and support veteran employees.