Do you want to increase military retention and make military life better for military families? Really? Then focus on spouse employment and those top spouse employers with skin in the game.
Spouse unemployment is the military issue I talk about the most at the highest levels. It is the invisible crisis contributing to problems with retention, financial difficulties, depression and food insecurity among military families. It is a wicked problem everyone wants solved but somehow can't find the solution.
The thing is, the solution is already working and growing stronger every day. Unsung heroes such as our top spouse employers and military service organizations, including the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP), Joining Forces, ACP Spouse Program and Hiring Our Heroes, are constantly instituting new approaches. Over the years, these folks have tried various solutions to solve spouse unemployment. I admire how they pay attention to their results and evolve their efforts.
For the first time, we are honoring select employers with a nomination to our 2024 Top Spouse Employer list. We especially want to salute top spouse employers. While our Military.com Top Veteran Employers often seek a military-related skill among job seekers, top spouse employers don't have the same motivators. Military spouses have such different occupational backgrounds that it takes something special in the company to seek out spouses, especially for hybrid or remote positions.
The Winning Traits of Top Spouse Employers
When selecting our Military.com Top Spouse Employers, we were influenced by the 4+1 Commitment: The Formula for Military Spouse Success, presented by Blue Star Families and Hiring Our Heroes in partnership with the Department of Defense Military Spouse Employment Partnership.
In addition to facilitating job transferability, offering remote or telework, flexible work hours and providing permanent change-of-station (PCS) leave, the 4+1 commitment asks that employers consider joining an existing government-sponsored spouse employment program. That way, spouses have a more central location to look for spouse-friendly employers, saving them time and aggravation.
In February, we invited employers to take our survey, and more than 50 applied. In addition to answering the questions, we invited them to send hero stories about their employees and recruiters. In reviewing the results, certain factors stood out:
1. Belong to the team
All of our employers belong to at least one of the existing government groups aimed at spouse employment. These companies also broadcast their spouse-friendliness on their websites, often mentioning spouses in the job listings. All of our winners hired additional military spouses this year.
2. Offer hybrid or remote work
Most of our Top Spouse Employers offer hybrid or remote work, which is most desirable to spouse employees. Guilt-free flexibility is the benefit spouses need most. The exception, of course, is the medical providers on our list since workers must be present to do the actual work. We gave extra credit to employers with spouses employed overseas -- the most challenging place for them to find work.
3. Host recruiter training
Since we live in the Age of the Recruiter, we selected employers that trained their recruiters to find and assess military spouse candidates. Extra credit points were given to those with a military spouse recruiter on the team. Extra, extra points were awarded to those with a military spouse at the director level or above.
Military.com List of 24 Top Spouse Employers for 2024:
The following are listed in alphabetical order.
1. Amazon Workforce Staffing
Amazon values the skills that military spouses bring to the workforce. As proof, they work under every line of business across the company, and we’d like to keep it that way! We encourage all military spouses to apply for any role for which they are qualified.
Amazon employs more than 10,000 military spouses across all businesses, including operations, sustainability, Alexa and Amazon Web Services (AWS). Amazon is pledging to hire more than 100,000 U.S. veterans and military spouses by 2024, building on its commitment to military families after far exceeding its pledge to hire 25,000 by 2021.
One of the ways that Amazon supports the military spouse community is through fellowship programs that provide military spouses opportunities in various roles at Amazon. These programs aim to further expand military spouses' growth into sustainable, meaningful career fields within the company. Through these 12-week fellowship programs, military spouses will gain access to professional training, networking, military spouse events and hands-on job experience.
2. Amentum
Nearly a third of the Amentum workforce comprises veterans and spouses who served in our nation's armed forces. We know that the teamwork, discipline and leadership skills developed through military service benefit our company and customers. Whether you are a veteran, Guardsman or reservist, a military spouse or plan to transition back to civilian life soon, we're eager to meet you.
There is also a place for you on the Amentum team if you own a veteran-owned small business or a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business. Our commitment to small business is genuine; since 2015, we have awarded more than 60% of our subcontracted dollars to small-business concerns.
3. Apogee Solutions
Apogee Solutions is a Small Business Administration-certified women-owned small business (WOSB) specializing in rehabilitative services and warrior care, training services and exercise management, analytical services and force development.
For the fourth consecutive year, Apogee Solutions was named a Gold Medallion recipient for the U.S. Department of Labor's Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act (HIRE Vets Act) Medallion Program. The HIRE Vets Medallion Program supports U.S. military veterans' recruiting, hiring and retention. "The U.S. Department of Labor applauds the commitment that HIRE Vets Medallion Award recipients show by employing, retaining, and supporting our nation's Veterans," acting Labor Secretary Julie Su said.
Apogee Solutions was recognized for supporting U.S. military veterans and spouses in the civilian workforce. The award honors Apogee Solutions' exceptional recognition of the value veterans bring to the workplace. Recruiting and hiring veterans and establishing resources for professional growth remains a commitment and pledge of Apogee Solutions' leadership.
4. AppleOne
Having partnered with generations of military spouses and veterans, we understand the many challenges you may encounter as a career seeker. We also know of the tremendous strengths and advantages you can offer to employers: You are adaptable, resourceful, an extraordinary team player and have a commendable work ethic.
Our goal is to match you with job opportunities where you can use and develop your strengths and where you can thrive as a professional.
5. Armed Services YMCA
The Armed Services YMCA enhances the lives of military members and their families in spirit, mind and body through programs relevant to the unique challenges of military life.
We focus on providing needed programs and services for single or married junior enlisted personnel and their family members. The Armed Services YMCA empowers military families, no matter who they are or where they're from, by ensuring access to resources, relationships and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive.
6. BCD Travel
BCD is pleased to offer military spouses broader exposure to opportunities and careers in the business travel workforce. Our virtual, office-based and hybrid employment opportunities are suited to the needs of military spouses who may need to move their jobs as duty calls.
The MSEP program is a targeted recruitment and employment solution for spouses and companies that:
- Connects corporate and nonprofit organizations with military spouses representing all military services.
- Prepares military spouses to become competitive, “job-ready” applicants.
Connects military spouses with employers seeking the essential 21st-century workforce skills and attributes they possess.
“I’m reminded of two of our company’s core values -- Act with Purpose and Feed the Future – both of which align with the goals of MSEP,” said Yvette Bryant, senior vice president of diversity and inclusion at BCD Travel. “Creating new career opportunities for military spouses honors and supports those who have given themselves to a life of service and helps us to find new, diverse, skilled, and adaptable talent, and that’s not only good, but it’s also good business.”
7. BeneLynk
It's a commitment. You made one long ago, so we made one in return. BeneLynk is a trusted employer for veterans and military spouses. The dedication, skills and unique experiences that veterans and military families bring to our organization make them invaluable team members.
For our efforts, BeneLynk has been recognized by prestigious military organizations across the country, including Military Times, Military Friendly and the U.S. Veterans Magazine.
8. Booz Allen Hamilton
We’re a natural home for veterans and military spouses looking to grow their expertise and fulfill their desire to serve. On our team, you’ll be empowered to shape your career. We’ll help you build on the leadership skills you gained during your service by providing a clear path to professional growth.
With access to leading-edge technology and tools, extensive training and diverse opportunities, you’ll have the space to explore your ideas.
9. CHRISTUS Health
In collaboration with the Department of Defense (DoD), the CHRISTUS Health SkillBridge Internship Program provides military service members within 180 days of separation from military service with opportunities in various roles. The goal is to provide service members with opportunities to learn and train at CHRISTUS Health's facilities as they prepare for the transition from the military to the civilian sector.
10. Cox Enterprises
Cox is a natural fit for many veterans and military spouses, and we've continually stepped up in our commitment to ensure we're one of the best workplaces for those who wore the uniform. We are now part of Military.com's veteran hiring commitment program, strengthening our pledge to hire, empower and assist those who have served our country.
- We work with more than 25 military bases and a dozen veterans and military spouse groups, such as Army Community Service, Navy Fleet and Family, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- We take part in hiring events on military bases nationwide to offer timely opportunities to military members. In 2023, Cox contacted more than 5,000 military members and spouses at more than 20 hiring events nationwide.
- We regularly send Cox job openings nationwide to Transition Assistance Program (TAP) offices.
11. Fiserv
Through our U.S. military and veterans engagement strategy, Fiserv Salutes, we provide the military community with career opportunities, educational resources and business solutions for veteran and military spouse-owned businesses. At Fiserv, we value the unique abilities and outlook that former service members, military spouses, Guard and reservists, and military family members bring to our team of innovators.
We are committed to the military community and recognize the important role our service members and their families play in the protection of our nation. We believe that hiring qualified veterans and military spouses and helping them grow professionally isn’t just the right thing to do -- it’s also good business.
The skills and abilities gained while in uniform often translate well into roles at Fiserv. Whether you seek a position in finance, operations, sales, marketing or information technology, you can find the right fit. Check out our current openings and apply today!
12. Johnson & Johnson
Alongside our work with the Veteran Jobs Mission, we're redoubling our efforts internally at Johnson & Johnson to hire and retain the best and the brightest among the military-connected community. From logistics to supply chain management, cybersecurity to sales, the talents of service members will be central to the success of our mission of changing the future of health for good. And our involvement with the VJM is only one piece of that.
13. Leidos
Leidos has a strong affinity with the military, both in our lines of business and in our workforce. We are proud that nearly 9,300 and 20% of our employees are veterans and military spouses. We assist veterans through the often-difficult transition from military life to a career in the private sector. Leidos is committed to supporting veterans as they pursue challenging and rewarding careers within our many business areas.
14. Matrix Providers
Since 2010, we’ve committed to aligning exceptional health-care workers to the government sector by utilizing the best commercial staffing industry practices. We have always considered military spouse status a valued population in our candidate pool, and MSEP is a perfect fit for that continued relationship.
The members of this talented workforce are truly behind-the-scenes heroes who balance family and career advancement in the face of frequent relocation or spousal deployment. They serve our country in countless ways and deserve access to skillful employment opportunities to achieve their career goals.
We are honored to hire and maintain health-care workers from this exceptional community! As always, look to Matrix Providers to bring the best in service to those who serve.
15. Maximus
Today's military and spouse candidates embody the core competencies Maximus deems essential, bringing resiliency and dependability that greatly enhance our workforce. We recognize your unique skills and experiences and want to provide you with a career path that allows you to continue making a difference for our country.
We're proud of our connections to organizations dedicated to serving veterans and their families. If you are a military spouse, transitioning from military to civilian life, have prior service or are a retired veteran or a National Guard and Reserve member, we have challenging and rewarding career opportunities available.
16. Potomac Healthcare Solutions
Potomac Healthcare Solutions is a veteran-owned company committed to recognizing and supporting those who have served. To maximize employment opportunities for veterans, we have developed the Potomac Healthcare Solutions Veteran Employment Network.
The company-wide program seeks to attract veterans and spouses through outreach, coordination with disability representatives to promote the hiring of disabled veterans, preferential hiring practices and flexible employment conditions. We also maintain an internal resume database for immediate and future placement of veteran candidates.
The program offers our clients and teaming partners a performance advantage by supplying them with a national talent pool of proven, highly qualified and motivated workers.
17. Randstad*
Randstad is proud to introduce our Military Spouse Talent Exchange, a groundbreaking approach to serving those who support our military community. Supporting your military spouse shouldn't mean sacrificing a career.
More than half of U.S. military spouses are overqualified for their current jobs, and our Military Spouse Talent Exchange (MSTalX) program aims to change that. By placing military spouses in direct-hire or contingent positions at participating employers while providing them with career development support, we're working to level the playing field and give our military spouses rewarding roles that set them up for success.
* Note: Randstad is the parent company of Monster and Military.com. We are thrilled to report that it hired 55 military spouses last year.
18. Salesforce
What is Salesforce Military? Salesforce is a software as a service (SaaS) business used by 90% of Fortune 500 companies. Salesforce Military is a Salesforce department for veterans by veterans. We get active military veterans and spouses the classes, certifications and support they need for successful tech careers.
Salesforce is committed to helping the military community and empowering veterans and their spouses with the skills they need for career success. Trailhead, Salesforce's free online learning platform of virtual courses and certifications, is a cornerstone of these efforts, including several veteran-specific modules.
19. SEMI Foundation
As the premier global industry association serving the manufacturing supply chain for the electronics industry, SEMI provides a place for our members to connect, collaborate, innovate and solve problems in a pre-/non-competitive forum. Platforms for regions and specific technology communities are connected to global common interests.
20. SkillStorm
Building pipelines for veteran talent and military spouses is vital to SkillStorm, a tech talent accelerator. We are proud to invest in military veterans and spouses and are determined to help them develop their skill sets and get better-paying jobs. As Joe Mitchell, chief operating officer of SkillStorm, says, "Veterans have served this country, and we should invest in them. They can continue to serve the country in the cloud and cybersecurity spaces. We are helping them shift in the civilian world to high-paying and rewarding careers."
Spouses are encouraged to apply for the My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) Scholarship for up to $4,000 in financial assistance. This scholarship covers the cost of any CompTIA certification training course.
21. Steward
As the country's largest physician-led, minority-owned, integrated health-care system, our doctors can be sure that we share their interests and those of their patients. Together, we are on a mission to revolutionize delivering health care -- creating healthier lives, thriving communities and a better world.
"Steward Health Care honors veterans and their families. We recognize and thank them for their service and are proud to be a part of this partnership," said Patrick Lombardo, executive vice president of human resources at Steward Health Care.
22. TCDI
Military spouses shouldn't have to sacrifice their careers, but due to frequent moves, many often have to leave their jobs and chances of career advancement behind. That's why we created the Military Spouse Managed Review® (MSMR) program.
Our MSMR program was created to provide career opportunities for military spouses who are lawyers. Their character, knowledge, loyalty, vast experience and dedication are the foundation of our program. Most come from various law firms and companies and would otherwise be in practice today. However, they have willingly chosen to put their military families before their career aspirations, thus supporting a spouse who is putting their life on the line to allow the rest of us to pursue our dreams.
In addition to being held to a higher standard through systems such as the rigorous "Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System" (DEERS) -- which is necessary for any military spouse for on-base access -- the skills military spouses provide are invaluable and include:
- A highly flexible, adaptable and dedicated work ethic
- An ability to handle critical deadlines with ease
- Strong foreign language skills
- Broad-ranging credentials, diverse industry expertise and specializations
23. The Adecco Group
We’re proud to assist military spouses. Your support on the home front is invaluable to your family and our military’s readiness. Your career goals are equally important. A strong support system such as Adecco can help you achieve professional success. Since 2002, our Military Alliance program has helped spouses maintain career momentum throughout frequent PCS moves, deployments and uncertainty.
Adecco is a leader in addressing our nation’s high military spouse unemployment rate. We are proud to be recognized as a military spouse friendly employer and to offer spouses portable careers, online training and professional support.
24. The Home Depot
As a military spouse, it's not easy balancing family life and work. We appreciate everything you and your family do, and we're here to navigate the unique challenges a military family faces and help you continue to grow your career.
We offer:
- Military relocation support -- over 2000 locations nationwide
- Maintaining your career with our Military Family International Leave of Absence for overseas PCS
- Over 5,000 fully remote roles
We value your commitment, strong leadership and decision-making skills. Here, you can continue to be part of a culture that takes care of each other and makes a difference.
“Home Depot allows military spouses to have a common home inside the stores when their family moves with the military. It's a familiar place when I get to a new state, making my transition easy. My spouse loves serving this country, and it helps ease our minds to know the company supports me while he serves.” -- Lisa T., store manager, military spouse
Congratulations to all our Top Spouse Employers for 2024. Please keep sharing your stories about your recruiters and your military spouses doing such good and worthy work.
If you are an outstanding employer and would like to be considered for the 2025 Top Spouse Employer List, watch for our announcement in February. Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn. Become an MSEP partner so job-seeking spouses can find you. And start hiring, retaining and promoting military spouses today.
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