Veterans serve their country honorably and make so many sacrifices to keep the country safe. However, often times these sacrifices are overlooked, especially the sacrifices their families, and particularly their spouses, make. Instead of being offered compensation, they are often sidelined in the workforce due to the challenges associated with being militarily bound.
The Value They Bring
A little-known fact is that military spouses are a unique and valuable demographic in the workforce. They face many challenges, including frequent moves, deployments, and family separations. Despite this, they possess a wealth of skills and experiences that make them ideal candidates for a variety of positions. Here are some of the reasons why companies should consider hiring military spouses:
Flexibility and Adaptability
One of the most valuable skills that military spouses possess is flexibility and adaptability. Due to their frequent moves and changing circumstances, military spouses are used to adjusting to new environments and situations. They are skilled at quickly acclimating to new cultures, communities, and workplaces. This adaptability makes them ideal candidates for positions that require flexibility, such as remote work or positions with irregular schedules.
Professionalism and Work Ethics
Military spouses are typically highly educated and possess strong work ethics. They are skilled at multitasking, managing their time, and prioritizing their responsibilities. They are also highly organized and detail oriented. These qualities make them ideal candidates for positions that require organizational and time management skills, such as project management or administrative roles. Additionally, many military spouses have pursued advanced degrees or professional certifications, making them highly qualified for a variety of positions.
Loyalty and Commitment
One thing that military spouses understand all too well is the value of commitment and loyalty. They have made significant sacrifices to support their partner’s military service and are committed to their families and communities. This dedication extends to their work lives as well. Military spouses are highly motivated and committed to their jobs. They respect the importance of meeting deadlines, working collaboratively, and going above and beyond to achieve their goals. These qualities make them ideal candidates for positions that require a high level of commitment, such as leadership roles or positions with high levels of responsibility.
Strong Communication Skills
It is commonplace for military spouses to have honed their communication skills by navigating complex military systems and advocating for themselves and their families. In communicating with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, veteran spouses are excellent candidates for positions that require strong verbal skills. They are proficient at building relationships and have the ability to articulate their ideas and concerns effectively. They are also great listeners, which is an essential skill in roles such as customer service or public relations.
Cultural Competence
Having lived and worked in diverse communities around the world, military spouses tend to be very adaptable and cultured individuals. The experience of switching homes gives them a unique perspective and understanding of different cultures and lifestyles. They are skilled at adapting to different environments and divergent perspectives. This cultural competence makes them ideal candidates for positions that require global or cross-cultural perspectives. Military spouses are also great team players, and their cultural competence allows them to work collaboratively with diverse teams to achieve common goals.
Resilience and Problem-Solving Skills
Military spouses face significant challenges, such as frequent moves, family separations, and financial stress. However, they are resilient and able to adapt to changing circumstances. They have developed problem-solving skills that allow them to navigate complex situations and find creative solutions to problems. This adaptability and problem-solving skills make military spouses the ideal candidates for positions that require innovation, strategic thinking, and a solution-focused approach. Military spouses are also known for their ability to prioritize and manage their time effectively, making them great project managers.
What Are Their Barriers to Employment?
Despite the many skills and experiences that military spouses possess, they often face significant barriers to employment. Most firms do this for the same reason that they don’t hire veterans. Some employers may be hesitant to hire military spouses due to misconceptions about their frequent moves or the demands of their partner’s military service. Additionally, military spouses may face challenges such as a lack of access to professional networks, difficulty in finding affordable childcare, or obtaining professional licenses or certifications in different states. To support military spouses in their careers, employers can offer flexible work arrangements, training and development opportunities, and a supportive workplace culture.
The Takeaway
Military spouses are a valuable asset to the workforce. They possess a wide range of skills and experiences that make them ideal candidates for many positions. By hiring military spouses, companies can benefit from their adaptability, loyalty, professionalism, and work ethic. To support military spouses in their careers, employers can offer flexible work arrangements, training and development opportunities, and a supportive workplace culture. In so doing, companies can create a more diverse, inclusive, and supportive work environment for all employees.