Almost a quarter million: That’s the number of potential hires each year that are veterans reintegrating into the workforce, according to the Department of Labor. 

Research suggests that this synergy is mutually beneficial. Military personnel rejoin the civilian world, thus starting a new chapter in their life, while employers gain a bigger talent pool from which they can choose.

Overall, the economy gains a boost: According to McKinsey & Co., which analyzed labor data and workforce skills of this population, “the economic potential of improving employment outcomes for a single cohort of transitioning veterans could be almost $15 billion over a ten-year period.” 

While hiring veterans may seem like a win-win-win, it’s not so easy. 

For one, there is the question of how to retain this talent population. A veteran working in the professional development space previously told HR Dive that without the proper infrastructure, employers’ veteran hiring initiatives can come off as empty promises.

Likewise, another veteran told HR Dive that employers should keep in mind that not everyone’s experience is the same and that not all veterans are alike.

Below are five HR Dive stories on veterans at work and what employers can do to help them.