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Supporting military veterans in the workplace means more than recognizing them on Veterans Day alone. It’s about fostering a culture where their contributions are valued, respected and celebrated every day.
Schneider has a proud history of hiring veterans, beginning with founder Al Schneider, who made it a core part of our culture. As a veteran myself, I’m proud to be part of an organization that actively creates programs and initiatives to recruit and celebrate those who’ve served.
To help show appreciation to your veteran coworkers, follow my advice on how to honor veterans at work and create a supportive work environment where they can thrive.
How do you say ‘thank you’ to veterans at work?
1. Express your gratitude one-on-one.
A simple "thank you" can go a long way in making veterans feel appreciated.
For coworkers who don’t like too much attention on them, consider expressing your gratitude in a more subtle way. You can do that by:
- Verbally thanking them during a conversation.
- Leaving a handwritten note on their desk.
- Sending them an e-card via email.
- Mailing them a thank-you card.
2. Give a shoutout in a group setting.
Some of your veteran colleagues might enjoy being publicly recognized for their service. If that’s the case, you can show appreciation by:
- Thanking them during a team meeting.
- Writing a message on your team’s communication platform.
A statement like, “Before we get started, I’d like to take a moment to thank John for his service,” can make a big impact.
3. Make a personal connection.
One of the most meaningful ways to honor veterans at work is to take the time to connect with them on a personal level. If you know a veteran in your workplace, ask them about their service. Show genuine interest in their story and actively listen to what they’re saying.
These conversations not only honor their experiences but also help you build a stronger connection with your coworker. Just be mindful to approach the topic with sensitivity and respect their comfort level in sharing.
4. Show support on social media.
Social media can be a powerful tool for sharing appreciation and spreading awareness. You can:
- Post a message of gratitude on your personal or professional social media accounts.
- Share your company’s Veterans Day posts or military-related initiatives to amplify their impact.
- Tag a veteran you work with (if they’re comfortable with it) and highlight their contributions.
- Post a photo of a monument or site that honors veterans and reflect on how it impacted you.
Schneider, for example, has a U.S. Armed Forces Wall at its corporate headquarters. Associates can take a photo in front of the wall and share it on social media to show their support for veterans.
5. Gift a small token of appreciation.
Sometimes, it’s the little things that make the biggest impact. A small token of appreciation can brighten a veteran’s day and show that their service is valued and remembered. Consider things like:
- Treating a veteran colleague to lunch or coffee.
- Bringing in donuts or snacks for the team.
- Gifting a veteran coworker with company merchandise.
How do you honor Veterans Day in the workplace?
As you think about how to honor Veterans Day at work, start by checking if your workplace has any events or activities planned to celebrate and recognize veterans. These might include:
- Attending a lunch or breakfast held in their honor.
- Contributing to a recognition wall or similar initiative.
- Participating in events featuring guest speakers who share their experiences.
If your workplace doesn’t have any activities planned, consider talking with your leader about organizing a way to recognize veterans in your department. Something as simple as passing around a card for team members to sign can be very meaningful.
How does Schneider honor veterans?
My journey with Schneider began because of its strong commitment to providing office jobs for veterans. Fresh out of the Marines and searching for a job, my father, a 21-year Schneider associate, recommended I apply at Schneider. Decades later, I continue to believe I found a company that truly values and supports current and former military members.
Schneider has received numerous awards recognizing the company’s commitment to veterans. We also have benefits specifically for veterans and a large Ride of Pride fleet.
On a personal note, I was deeply honored to accept the Al Schneider Memorial Award on behalf of Schneider many years ago. Receiving the namesake award of our founder from the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS) was a proud and memorable moment. I still carry the challenge coin presented to me by retired Chief Master Sgt. Roger A. Hagen, former president of EANGUS. To me, it’s a symbol of one Schneider associate’s story in a long legacy of veteran recognition and gratitude.
