Veterans and families represent a valuable and often underutilised asset for employers. Their inherent adaptability, ingrained resilience, and deeply rooted values-driven mindset are precisely the qualities that forward thinking organisations across all sectors are actively seeking. However, to harness this considerable potential, organisations must commit to fostering inclusive and supportive recruitment practices, internal policies, and overall workplace cultures.
This was the topic that took centre stage during a recent session in the Veteran Employer Webinar Series, expertly hosted by the Veteran Employment Program (VEP). The webinar, titled “Attracting Veterans and Families into Your Workforce”, convened three experienced voices in the field of veteran and family employment: Claire Harris from Human Quotient Group, Danny Hines of EON Protection, and Karen Hinder representing Working Spirit. The insightful conversation, facilitated by Veteran Family Advocate Commissioner Gwen Cherne, discussed how to attract and, retain talented individuals from the veteran community and underscored the compelling reasons why this focus is paramount.
A clear message emerged: veterans and families bring far more to the table than simply a set of professional skills. They offer a wealth of lived experience, a remarkable capacity for adaptability, genuine empathy, and mission-oriented work ethic. Many have operated across diverse locations and navigated a multitude of disciplines, consistently demonstrating professionalism amidst constant change. For employers, this translates into access to a rich and often underappreciated talent pool. As Commissioner Cherne noted, “Veterans and families have a range of skills, attributes, values, and experiences that are highly sought after in the civilian workforce.”
Fortunately, successful organisations have already recognised this opportunity and are actively implementing practical and impactful strategies to take advantage of the benefits of employing veterans and families. Recruitment practices that prioritise genuine personal connection—such as facilitating informal conversations, leveraging the power of direct referrals, and utilising inclusive job platforms—are demonstrably making a positive difference. Danny Hines shared how their team at EON Protection ensures every veteran applicant receives a personal response and helpful guidance, even when they are not selected for a particular role. This thoughtful approach not only builds trust and fosters goodwill but also cultivates a more supportive experience during a career move that can sometimes feel isolating.
Importantly, support doesn’t stop at recruitment. The most effective workplaces are intentionally cultivating environments where veterans and families feel a genuine sense of belonging and shared purpose. Claire Harris, co-founder of Human Quotient Group, explained: “We design policies to support the people we want to employ. That means listening and being willing to adapt.”
The onboarding process was also identified as a critical turning point for newly hired employees. To assist in this, the VEP has developed the Onboarding Guide for Veteran Employees, offering practical and actionable steps to shape those vital early days into a strong foundation for long-term success.
The webinar participants underscored the significant return on investment that organisations experience when they actively invest in veterans and families. This extends beyond simply bolstering workforce capability, positively impacting areas such as leadership quality, employee loyalty, and overall cultural strength within the organisation.
This conversation represents just one element of an ongoing effort to elevate the role and recognition of veterans and families in the workforce. Looking ahead, the VEP will host the “'In conversation - veteran partners and families', facilitated by Gwen Cherne, scheduled for 26 June 2025, with a special focus on the experiences and contributions of partners and families within the veteran community.
📅 Register for In Conversation - veteran partners and families
📅 Register for upcoming Veteran Employer Webinar Series events
Creating sustainable pathways for veterans and families into civilian employment is not a matter of chance—it is the direct result of intentional practices, the cultivation of truly inclusive workplace cultures, and a willingness to do things differently.
For employers who are ready to take this significant and rewarding step, you can join the VEC today and demonstrate your commitment to better recruit, retain and support veteran employees and families.