Beyond Duty: The Strengths of Veterans in Facilities Maintenance

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, an armistice was declared between the Allied nations and Germany during World War I. This cessation of hostilities marked a significant historical moment, allowing diplomatic efforts to pave the way for lasting peace. Today, we celebrate and honor this day as Veterans Day

Veterans Day stands as a testament to the dedication and sacrifices of our military personnel and serves as a reminder of the indispensable contributions they make to our society. Their service goes beyond their uniform, translating into a wealth of skills that can greatly enhance any workforce. They continue to make an ongoing impact in various sectors.

In this blog post, we'll focus on the profound value veterans offer to the workforce, particularly in facilities maintenance. They're an invaluable asset to any organization due to the skills and experience they acquired during their military service. We'll also explore the distinct qualities that veterans possess, which can greatly benefit their future roles.

The Benefit of Employing Veterans

Hiring veterans is not only a way to show patriotism but also a smart business move. As skilled and experienced professionals, veterans can contribute positively to business growth. Not to mention, they bring a unique perspective to everyday operations.

Some of the numerous advantages they offer in their positions are:

Excellent Leadership Skills. Veterans possess exceptional leadership skills, owing to their leadership and responsibility roles in the military. This enables them to lead and delegate effectively.

Expert Adaptability. Military service often takes veterans to diverse and challenging environments, where they must quickly adapt to changing circumstances. Whether it's a sudden equipment breakdown or an unexpected maintenance issue, veterans have the ability to remain calm and handle the issue.

Attention to Detail. In the military, attention to detail can be a matter of life and death. They’re trained to scrutinize every detail, ensuring that nothing is overlooked. This skill translates perfectly to facilities maintenance, where every detail can significantly impact operations and occupant satisfaction.

Experienced Problem Solving. Veterans are adept at quickly identifying and solving complex problems, preventing minor issues from becoming major obstacles. They are well-equipped to handle any situation that comes their way.

Strong Work Ethic. The military instills a strong work ethic and discipline in its members. They're accustomed to following procedures and completing tasks with precision and dedication.

Facilities maintenance is a fast-paced, dynamic field, and veterans are well-suited for it due to their versatility. They can be highly effective facility managers, skilled at balancing routine maintenance and unexpected events.

Veterans as Facility Managers

Veterans' skill sets and rigorous training make them ideal facility manager candidates. Many possess expert knowledge of technical equipment and systems, such as HVAC and electrical systems. They're also well-versed in resource allocation and management. Whether it's efficiently managing supplies in a military deployment or optimizing a facility's budget for maintenance and operations, veterans are able to make the most of available resources.

Safety is a top priority in facilities maintenance, and veterans have a strong foundation in safety protocols. They are prepared to prioritize safety and can help create a secure work environment for all employees and occupants.

Military service also emphasizes teamwork and effective communication, making veterans experienced in working with diverse teams. They understand the importance of clear and concise communication, which are vital to coordinating maintenance tasks, managing staff, and collaborating with different departments within an organization.

Why You Should Hire Veterans

Hiring veterans is a strategic decision that reflects a commitment to supporting those who have served our nation and brings a myriad of benefits. Beyond the patriotic duty, employing veterans helps cultivate a diverse workforce, blending various perspectives and backgrounds. This diversity fosters a culture of creativity and innovation, where unique insights propel problem-solving and strategic thinking.

Moreover, hiring veterans enhances a company's image and brand, as many clients actively seek businesses that prioritize veteran employment. Practical advantages include improved overall performance and a positively impacted bottom line.

In an era where skilled labor is in high demand, veterans offer a solution to the workforce shortage. Hiring veterans can also result in tax incentives, creating a win-win scenario for employers and service members.

How Employers Can Support Veterans

Acknowledging the unique skills and experiences that veterans bring to the workforce is the first step towards ensuring their successful integration into civilian employment. Unfortunately, many veterans leave their first civilian job because they feel their skills don't match the job.

Employers can actively address this issue by offering apprenticeships with hands-on experience to ensure they’re in a suitable role. Regular communication, feedback loops, and ongoing training opportunities can help veterans adapt and thrive in their positions.

It’s also critical to acknowledge the trauma veterans may have faced while serving. To support veterans in dealing with mental health issues, employers should provide detailed information on all available resources and help them navigate their insurance benefits. Creating a culture that promotes mental health support is crucial to fostering a supportive work environment.

By adopting these practices, employers can support veterans in their transition to civilian employment and maximize the unique contributions they bring to the workplace. This holistic approach helps ensure that veterans find meaningful and sustainable careers post-military service.

Final Considerations

The benefits of hiring veterans extend beyond the obvious business advantages. By recognizing and leveraging veterans' unique skills, organizations can foster a work environment of diversity and innovation, creating a positive brand image.

Partnering with veteran organizations can be instrumental in recruiting and creating a supportive workplace for veterans. The veteran unemployment rate currently stands at 2.9%, a positive trend from previous months. Continuous and collaborative efforts can lower this number even further.

By remaining steadfast in your commitment to veterans, you can enrich your facility and build a workforce that values the contributions of those who have dedicated themselves to serving our country.