Leveraging Industrial-Organizational Psychology to Support Veterans in the Workplace

Submitted by the SIOP Military and Veterans Inclusion Committee

Industrial-organizational (I-O) psychology focuses on understanding and improving the workplace environment, employee performance, and overall organizational efficiency. Veterans, with their diverse backgrounds, training, and experiences, bring unique strengths to the civilian workforce. However, transitioning from military service to civilian employment can present specific challenges. Applying I-O psychology principles can help organizations effectively integrate veterans, benefiting both the individual and the company.

Veterans possess highly transferable skills and competencies that can enrich any workplace. Their military training emphasizes leadership, discipline, teamwork, problem solving, and adaptability—qualities that align well with many civilian jobs. Veterans are also accustomed to working in high-pressure environments, often with a focus on precision and accountability, making them suitable for roles in management, logistics, operations, and technical fields.

In addition to technical and leadership abilities, veterans often have high levels of emotional resilience. The mental and physical demands of military service can help develop coping mechanisms, adaptability, and perseverance. These traits, coupled with their experience in working in diverse teams, can enhance their capacity to navigate complex workplace dynamics, contribute to decision making, and foster collaboration.

Despite their strengths, veterans often face significant challenges when transitioning into civilian roles. One issue is translating military skills into civilian job descriptions. Veterans may find it difficult to articulate their experiences in a way that resonates with nonmilitary hiring managers. For instance, although leadership in the military is a valuable asset, it may not always be communicated effectively in the context of civilian management structures.

Another challenge is the cultural shift from military to civilian environments. In the military, there is a clear hierarchy, and decision-making processes are often highly structured. Civilian workplaces, on the other hand, may operate with more fluidity and ambiguity, which can create initial discomfort for veterans. Additionally, veterans may face challenges related to mental health, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can affect job performance and social integration in the workplace.

I-O psychology offers valuable tools to help bridge the gap between veterans and civilian employment, including:

• developing onboarding and training programs tailored specifically to veterans
• designing programs that focus on skill translation, helping veterans better understand how their military experience applies to civilian jobs
• offering workshops on resume building and interview preparation to assist veterans in effectively presenting their qualifications

Another I-O strategy involves fostering an inclusive workplace culture that values diversity, including the unique perspectives of veterans. Mentorship programs can pair veterans with experienced employees who can help them navigate the cultural differences between military and civilian work environments. Additionally, offering flexibility and support for veterans dealing with mental health challenges is crucial. Companies can benefit from implementing employee assistance programs (EAPs) that provide mental health services and counseling, creating a more supportive work environment.

Work design can also be adapted to accommodate veterans’ needs. For instance, creating clear role expectations and structured feedback systems can help veterans thrive, given their experience with well-defined military hierarchies. In roles that require problem solving and leadership, veterans can excel if provided with autonomy and the opportunity to leverage their skills.

By applying I-O psychology principles, organizations can better integrate veterans into the civilian workforce. Leveraging veterans' unique strengths while addressing their transition challenges not only supports their successful reintegration but also enhances organizational productivity and culture. Structured onboarding, mentorship, and mental health support can ensure that veterans feel valued and empowered, leading to a more inclusive and effective workplace.

Editor’s Note: Every year, the SIOP Military and Veterans Inclusion Committee shares insights into relevant military-connected topics and the intersection of I-O psychology during the month of November in celebration and reflection of Veterans Day (November 11). This article is the first article of three.