Harnessing veteran talent to meet diversity recruitment needs
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Indiana’s business community stands at a pivotal moment, where the convergence of economic growth and workforce demands present both a challenge and an opportunity. As companies across the state grapple with staffing shortages and the need for skilled workers, there is an often underutilized talent pool ready to be tapped—the state’s more than 325,000 veterans. With 78% of these individuals actively participating in the labor force, this encompasses a large talent pool for local employers, with skills and strengths they are already actively seeking.
Veterans bring a wealth of experience, leadership, and resilience that is unmatched in the civilian workforce. They have been trained to perform under pressure, adapt to rapidly changing environments, and lead teams with integrity and purpose. These are qualities that Indiana businesses need now more than ever as they seek to navigate the complexities of today’s economy while cultivating an epicenter of talent and opportunity right here in the Midwest.
In addition to their many commendable qualities, veterans are a diverse group, comprised of individuals of all races, genders, religions, and places of origin. With approximately 41% of the military identifying as members of underrepresented groups, employers can capitalize on their skills while also diversifying their workforce–a priority for many employers today. Furthermore, more than 30% of Indiana’s veterans identify as having a disability, providing additional opportunities for employers to prove themselves as inclusive and equitable employers.
However, the transition from military service to civilian employment is not always seamless. Many veterans face challenges translating their military experience into civilian job qualifications, and employers may struggle to understand how these skills can be applied in their industries. This gap is where Indiana can make a significant impact—and serve as a national example—by providing the right resources and support to both veterans and corporations.
Indiana’s opportunity lies in creating a robust ecosystem that facilitates veteran employment. This includes not only connecting veterans with job opportunities but also ensuring they receive the necessary training and support to thrive in their new roles. For businesses, this means understanding the unique value veterans bring and integrating them into the workforce in ways that maximize their potential.
Key to this effort is the development of partnerships with organizations that specialize in veteran employment and support services. These partnerships can help businesses better understand the needs of veterans and provide them with access to the resources needed to recruit, hire, and retain veteran talent. Indianapolis-based HR trade association DirectEmployers Association maintains a dedicated partnership team to vet such local and national organizations, passing the connection to its 1,050+ Member companies for this very purpose.
For employers who are federal contractors, regulations such as the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act take the need to hire veterans a step further. Organizations like DirectEmployers are doing their part to simplify compliance and make it easier than ever to reach diverse veteran talent with tools to comply with mandatory job listing requirements, and nightly automated job distribution services in which employers’ jobs are distributed via email to Local Veterans’ Employment Representatives and/or Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program Specialists at the nearest American Job Center.
For business leaders, embracing veteran talent is not just a matter of complying with federal regulation—it’s a strategic decision that can lead to tangible business benefits. Veterans are known for their strong work ethic, loyalty, and ability to lead, making them ideal candidates for roles across a wide range of industries. By actively seeking out and hiring veterans, companies can not only fill critical hiring needs but also enhance their organizational culture and drive long-term success.
Indiana has the opportunity to become a national leader in veteran employment by creating an inclusive environment where those who have served our country can feel a true sense of belonging. This requires a concerted effort from both the public and private sectors to ensure that veterans have access to the resources, training, and opportunities they need to succeed.
By investing in veteran employment initiatives, Indiana can build a stronger, more diverse workforce that is well-equipped to meet the challenges of today’s economy. It’s a win-win for veterans and businesses alike, and it’s a step forward in making Indiana a model for other states to follow.
Shannon Offord is the Vice President of DirectEmployers, an Indianapolis-based organization dedicated to enhancing veteran hiring efforts and supporting Indiana businesses in their workforce development initiatives.