Things to Consider When Hiring Iowa Veterans
In general, taking on new employees always stir important questions: do I have an EIN number, is my accounting system set up to handle payroll, do I need to include unemployment, how much should I pay new hires, etc. Now that we have covered some of the benefits of hiring veterans, and where to look for veterans who are seeking employment, now we can shift gears to things to consider when hiring Iowa vets. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Learn Some Military Lingo!
While serving their term of duty, active military folks use a language all their own. Sometimes this lingo (especially acronyms) will find its way into resumes, and cover letters. In order to better understand a veterans past experience and leadership roles, it behooves you to learn a little military lingo.
Learn about the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act
The United States Department of Labor has created a website to help employers understand the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA). The website is called the USERRA Advisor and is a useful tool to veterans and employing companies, alike. USERRA itself governs how/if employers must hold jobs open after an employee enlists for active service. It also provides additional protections for disabled veterans, and in some cases, will cover some of the costs that would normally be absorbed by an employer.
Understand PTSD and TBI
In some cases, you may be considering hiring vets who suffered traumatic brain injuries (TBI), or who are dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Often very simple changes to the potential employee’s schedule can help veterans adjust to these situations. Examples may include using memory aids, recruiting a fellow employee to serve as a mentor, implement more rigid scheduling of work routines, etc. America’s Heroes at Work has many resources and tools to help employers understand how they can best assist returning military personnel for work.
Understand Iowa Employment Law
Of course, it’s important that Iowa companies who have a workforce understand general Iowa employment law and regulations. The Iowa Business and Regulatory Assistance Network has a plethora of resources to help Iowa businesses understand those obligations. In particular, their Iowa Employer Awareness Guide is a very helpful starting point here.
Rob Williams is a Business Analyst for the University of Northern Iowa
