Our official list of America’s Top 20 Military Spouse-Friendly Employers for 2012!
Welcome to Military Spouse magazine’s fifth annual list of Military Spouse-Friendly Employers. We’re once again putting the spotlight on companies that actively hire military spouses and work to keep them on board through the challenges of deployments and PCS moves.
Each year, we seek out the best places for military spouses to find employment, assessing these employers based on many factors. Among the most critical are these:
- Are they actively recruiting and hiring military spouses?
- What is their current percentage of military spouse employees?
- How do they approach workforce development and the retention of military spouse employees?
- Do they have policies in place to support military spouses during deployments, PCS moves and other challenges that military life can bring?
Some of the companies that rank highest in our analysis are ones that have military families as their customers. USAA, TriWest, AAFES and more: These organizations understand the rhythms of military life, and they know first-hand the impressive capability of many military spouses. They’re also aware that no one can understand and serve their customers better than the customers themselves.
Others companies appearing in our Top 20 operate entirely in the civilian world. Although they may not be part of the military community, they’ve discovered what we’ve always known: Hiring military spouses is good for business. This varied and talented workforce is made up of people with experience responding quickly to change, juggling multiple responsibilities and taking obligations seriously.
Increased awareness at these organizations has eliminated old roadblocks to military spouse hiring. Companies like Sears, T-Mobile, Verizon and RE/MAX, with numerous locations nationwide, have found that moving a good employee from location to location isn’t really all that complicated. Staffing firms like Adecco or Kelly Services embrace the idea of working with military spouses, many of whom find that temp assignments fits their lifestyle well.
Meaningful Change
When we began tracking Military Spouse-Friendly Employers five years ago, many companies were new to thinking of military spouses as a distinct workforce. As the years have passed, that has dramatically changed.
Last spring, the White House launched the Joining Forces initiative to bring the subject of military spouse hiring directly to America’s corporations. Several months later, President Obama issued a blunt challenge to U.S. companies: Hire or train 100,000 veterans and military spouses by the end of 2013.
We are closely tracking corporate America’s response to that challenge. And we will continue acknowledging the employers that understand the value of hiring military spouses and working to educate those that have yet to actively recruit from this valuable pool of talent.
On the following pages you’ll find details on the companies that ranked in our Top 20. Not planning to job hunt in 2012? This list can still work for you: Read on to find our advice on preparing to enter, or perhaps to re-enter, the work force with these companies in the future.
1 – USAA
Headquarters: ?San Antonio, Texas
Elevator Speech: ?”We’re dedicated to the financial well-being of members of the military and their families for generations to come. That’s why we provide a variety of financial products and best-in-class service to help our members achieve their financial goals and plan for the future.”
What They Do: ?USAA offers insurance, banking and investment products to military families. They also offer college savings planning, retirement planning, money management and other financial advice to current military service members and to veterans.
2 – TriWest Healthcare Alliance
Headquarters: ?Phoenix, Ariz.
Jobs They Frequently Fill: Customer service representative, RN/Care Coordinator
Elevator Speech: “At TriWest, serving the needs of our military family members is our only priority. It is our only line of business; it is our only focus.”
What They Do: TriWest Healthcare Alliance administers the TRICARE program in the 21-state western region, providing care for 2.8 million members of the military. An estimated half of TriWest’s staff are military dependents or veterans. TriWest’s “We Care” program offers milspouse employees flexible work schedules during deployments, plus paid time to attend homecomings for their spouses, a reduction of work hours without losing full-time benefits, childcare assistance and phone card minutes.9- Kelly Services
3 – AlliedBarton Security Services
Headquarters: Conshohocken, Pa.
Jobs They Frequently Fill: Security Officers, ?Security Managers, ?Security Supervisors
Elevator Speech: “Hiring military personnel is an important part of our strategy. We are proud to partner with military organizations to put these heroes to work.”
What They Do: AlliedBarton Security Services is the largest American-owned security officer services company. For more than half a century, the company has provided security services to large and small institutions within practically every industry: education, healthcare, retail and more. AlliedBarton tries to assist milspouses with job relocation due to PCS’ing and will temporarily hold a job open during deployment.
4 – Adecco Group North America
Headquarters: Zurich-Glattbrug, Switzerland
Jobs They Frequently Fill: Administrative positions, National Account Representatives
Elevator Speech: “By creating greater choice in the domain of work, we unlock potential in individuals, enterprises and society in general-creating the fundamental conditions for adaptability and success.”
What They Do: Adecco is a global Fortune 500 company that provides temporary, contract and direct-hire staffing services. Adecco has a streamlined system for keeping workers employed in temporary staffing jobs as they move around the country. The only paperwork required for a move is a new W-2 form.
5 – Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES)
Headquarters:Dallas, Texas
Jobs They Frequently Fill: Store Associates and Senior Store Associates
Elevator Speech: “The Army & Air Force Exchange Service remains a team of dedicated people committed to increasing the value of the Exchange benefit while continuing to give back to the military community.”
What They Do: If you’re a milspouse, we probably don’t need to tell you what the Exchange is-it’s your go-to shopping spot. The Exchange strives to provide quality merchandise and services to active duty, Guard and Reserve members, military retirees and their families at competitively low prices. Most of the earnings go to the Army Installation Management Command (IMCOM), G-9, MWR programs and to Air Force Services. The rest goes toward the construction of new and improved Exchange facilities.
6 – West Corporation
Headquarters:Omaha, Neb.,
Jobs They Frequently Fill: Call Center Representative, Customer Sales Representative
Elevator Speech: “We specialize in the creation of solutions that cover every aspect of voice communication-uniquely applied to each industry, each market and each customer.”
What They Do: Provide technology and manpower to help companies communicate effectively internally and externally. Services include teleconferencing, call centers, automated customer contact solutions. Some employees work from home.
7 – T-Mobile
Headquarters: ?Bellevue, Wash.
Jobs They Frequently Fill: Customer Service Representative, Retail Sales Associate
Elevator Speech: “The value of our plans, the breadth of our coverage, the reliability of our network, and the quality of our service are meant to do one thing: help you stick together with the people who make your life come alive.”
What They Do: You probably know that T-Mobile is one of the biggest players in the world of staying connected. This national provider of wireless voice, messaging and data services has a network that is capable of reaching over 293 million Americans. Some employees work from home.
8 – CSC
Headquarters: Falls Church, Va.
Jobs They Frequently Fill: Technical Trainer, Customer Service ?Representative
Elevator Speech: “CSC recognizes the value, loyalty, diversity and strong work ethic of America’s military community.”
What They Do: Originally known as Computer Sciences Corporation, CSC is a leading global information technology services company. Among their offerings to clients in a wide range of industries: credit services, cloud computing, cybersecurity, risk management and claims, testing services, help with outsourcing and much more. Offices in the U.S. and Australia, Asia and Europe.
9 – Kelly Services
Headquarters: Troy, Mich.
Jobs They Frequently Fill: Temporary administrative jobs, from entry-level to experienced
Elevator Speech: “Kelly knows that soldiers and their families bring a strong sense of integrity and duty to their post-military careers. You’ve demonstrated your commitment by your time served, solid character and high-level professional skills. It’s time to put the experience you’ve acquired to work for you.”
What They Do: Kelly created the temporary staffing industry more than half a century ago, and they remain the leader. In addition to providing temporary and direct-to-hire employees, they also offer outsourcing and consulting services to clients worldwide.
10 – Johnson Controls
Headquarters: ?Milwaukee, Wis.
Jobs They Frequently Fill: Service Operations Agent Assistant, Client Services Representative
Elevator Speech: “Through our growth strategies and by increasing market share we are committed to delivering value to shareholders and making our customers successful.”
What They Do: Johnson Controls is a global technology company that focuses on making buildings and automobiles more efficient. The company serves customers in more than 150 countries.
11 – Sears Holdings Corp.
Headquarters: ?Hoffman Estates, Ill.
Jobs They Frequently Fill: Cashiers, Department Managers, Logistics Associates
Elevator Speech: “Sears Holdings is committed to improving the lives of our customers by providing quality services, products and solutions that earn their trust and build lifetime relationships.”
What They Do: Sears Holdings Corporation operates more than 4,000 retail stores in the U.S. and Canada, selling everything home appliances, tools, lawn and garden items and consumer electronics to clothing and fashion accessories. They also offer home appliance service and repair.
12 – Health Net
Headquarters: Woodland Hills, Ca.
Jobs They Frequently Fill: Customer Service Representatives, Intake Representatives, Nurses
Elevator Speech: Health Net’s “mission is to help people be healthy, secure and comfortable. … we’re building secure futures for our members, and at the same time, for our company.”
What They Do: Health Net, Inc. is a managed care company providing services through health plans and government-sponsored managed care plans to about six million people, including many military families. They also offer behavioral health services and prescription drug coverage.
13 – Verizon
Headquarters: New York, NY
Jobs They Frequently Fill: A very broad list, ?including Call Center Representative and ?Project Manager
Elevator Speech: “We believe strongly that our role in connecting people, ideas and opportunities is vital to meeting the challenges of the future.”
What They Do: At some point today you will probably use a Verizon phone or call someone who’s using one. Verizon is a global leader in broadband, video and other wireless communications services for consumer, business, government and wholesale customers, and provides communications, information and entertainment services over an advanced fiber-optic network.
14 – IAP Worldwide Services
Headquarters: Cape Canaveral, Fla.
Jobs They Frequently Fill:Senior Human Resources Representative, Facility Inspector
Elevator Speech: “We are committed to doing everything possible to ensure that working for IAP is a satisfying and rewarding experience for all our employees. Opportunities at IAP are challenging and diverse, encompassing a wide range of skill sets and educational backgrounds and experience.”
What They Do: IAP supports global humanitarian aid efforts and U.S. national security missions around the world. They work closely with DOD, other federal and non-governmental customers, at locations worldwide. Their services include global operations and logistics, base operations support (things like fire and rescue emergency services, water, ice, power and catering) and temporary staffing services.
15 – RE/Max Llc.
Headquarters: Denver, Colo.
Jobs They Frequently Fill: Real Estate Agents, Receptionists, Office Managers, Accountants.
Elevator Speech: “To attract and retain the best agents, brokers must offer maximum compensation, advanced support services and the freedom to succeed.”
What They Do: RE/MAX is a private company that helps customers buy and sell property through their global real estate network of franchisee-owned and -operated offices and regional sub-franchisors.
16 – Waste management
Headquarters: Houston, Texas
Jobs They Frequently Fill: Customer Service Representative, Sales Representative
Elevator Speech: “Our 45,000 employees are committed to Environmental Performance – our mission to maximize resource value, while minimizing environmental impact so that both our economy and our environment can thrive.”
What They Do: Waste Management handles recycling and trash pickup for 20 million residential, industrial, municipal and commercial customers. They also recover resources and create renewable energy at their waste-to-energy and landfill gas-to-energy facilities.
17 – 24 Hour Fitness
Headquarters: San Ramon, Calif.
Jobs They Frequently Fill: Personal Trainers, Membership Counselors, Service Representatives
Elevator Speech: “If you’re looking for an opportunity to combine your own personal health, wellness and fitness values with a great career opportunity, look no further than the variety of careers available at 24 Hour Fitness.”
What They Do: Founded nearly 30 years ago as a gym with one location, 24 Hour Fitness is now the largest privately held fitness club chain in the U.S. They were the first to be open 24/7 and the first to introduce month-to-month and online memberships. The company is the official fitness center sponsor of the U.S. Olympic team.
18 – CB Richard Ellis
Headquarters: Los Angeles, Ca.
Jobs They Frequently Fill: Real estate positions ranging from entry-level to highly experienced
Elevator Speech: “CBRE is the world’s leading real estate services company-a growing and visionary organization, comprised of the best and brightest professionals.”
What They Do: CB Richard Ellis is global real estate services company, dealing with everything from corporate headquarters and hotels to residential properties. Their services also include facilities management and much more.
19 – United Retail
Headquarters: Rochelle Park, N.J.
Jobs They Frequently Fill: Retail Salesperson
Elevator Speech: “Experienced buyers travel the world in search of exciting new looks that you can wear for every occasion.”
What They Do: United Retail specializes in plus-size women’s clothing. You may not recognize their name, but you’ve probably seen their various retail brands including Avenue, Roaman’s, Jessica London and Woman Within. The company serves a target audience of women ages 25 to 55. The company was purchased by Redcats USA, part of the French group PPR, in 2007.
20 – Dominion Resources Services
Headquarters: Richmond, Va.
Jobs They Frequently Fill: Various positions in their business, engineering and technology departments.
Elevator Speech: “Dominion’s strategy is to be a leading provider of electricity, natural gas and related services to customers in the energy-intensive Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions of the U.S.”
What They Do: One of the nation’s largest producers and transporters of energy, with 11,000 miles of natural gas transmission, gathering and storage pipeline and 6,300 miles of electric transmission lines. The company operates the nation’s largest natural gas storage system and serves energy customers in 15 states.