Achieving Designation

Our ratings program is developmental, meaning that it recognizes that it takes time to build a meaningful ratings program within an organization.  Organizations can begin by taking a Pledge, then advance to full Designation and finally work to achieve Award level (Top 10, Gold, Silver and Bronze).  Ratings are earned and are absolutely free to organizations. 

Any employer which has no federal flags and pledges to establish a military recruiting program can now earn Military Friendly “Designation” status.  Employers can remain in Designation status till they reach a point where program benchmarks for awards are achievable.   This allows employers sufficient time to gather data and implement processes necessary to compete for Military Friendly Awards. 

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What it Means

Criteria

Any employer which has no federal flags, pledges to establish a military recruiting program, and completes a 16 question abridged version of the survey can now earn Military Friendly “Designated” status.  Employers can remain in Designation status until they have advanced to the required benchmarks need for “Awards.”  This allows employers sufficient time to gather data and implement processes necessary to compete for  Military Friendly Awards Selection.

Companies must meet the minimal Benchmarks, Qualifications, Eligibility Requirements and Compliance Standards :

Benchmarks,

Organizations must successfully complete the Military Friendly® Employers portion of the Military Friendly® Companies survey to verify that they meet at least three of the following benchmarks:

  1. New Hire Retention Rate for Veterans is greater than 50%.
  2. New Hire Retention for Veterans is higher than for Non-Military Employees.
  3. New Hire Retention Rate for Guard & Reserve Employees is greater than 50%.
  4. New Hire Retention for Veterans is higher than for Non-Military Employees.
  5. Military Employee Turnover is lower than for Non-Military Employees.
  6. Military Employee Turnover is less than 20%.
  7. Promotions and Advancements of Military Employees is higher than for Non-Military Employees.
  8. Percent of Military Applicants selected is higher than for Non-Military Applicants selected.
  9. Guard and Reserve policies exceed federal requirements.
  10. Encourages veterans and service members to self-identify through means that go beyond a survey or a voluntary self-id form.

To be eligible for the MFE rating, companies must meet the following qualifications:

  • Explicit Commitment: Companies must pledge to serving the military and/or veteran community.
  • Self-Identification Policies: Companies must have policies or practices that encourage veterans and service members to self-identify.
  • Good Standing: Companies must be in good standing with federal agencies.
  • No Outstanding Claims: Companies must not have or hold an outstanding claim(s) case or violation under investigation by the US Departments of Labor or Defense, or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. 
  • No Debarment: Companies must never have been debarred from participation in federal contracting.
  • No Recent Violations: Companies must not have been found in violation of veteran protections within the past 12 months.

The Military Friendly Employer Rating is awarded to companies that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to supporting and advancing the careers of military service members and veterans. This rating is based on a comprehensive evaluation of the company’s policies, practices, and outcomes in six critical categories, each with specific weightings and maximum point allocations. To achieve the MFE rating, companies must meet or exceed a minimum total score and adhere to specific qualification criteria. 

All companies must complete and pass a compliance check in order to be eligable. 

All companies must complete the 16 question abridged survey and score a minimum of 900 Points or score above a 27.6 % on their overall score. 

Methodology

Weightings & Methodology

The MFE Designation rating uses a point-based scoring system. Each category has a maximum point value and contributes to the total score that also determines if a company received the designation rating. Companies must achieve a minimum total score of 900 and meet the qualification to be eligible for the MFE Designation rating. The methodology ensures a fair and comprehensive assessment of the company’s commitment and effectiveness in supporting military service members and veterans. 

The survey is comprised of 6 focus areas for scoring. 

MFE Culture & Commitment

 This category evaluates the company’s culture and overall commitment to the military and veteran community. Companies must demonstrate explicit pledges or commitments to supporting military service members and veterans through various initiatives, partnerships, and programs.

(8%) This category assesses the effectiveness of the company’s recruitment and sourcing strategies in attracting military talent. Companies should have robust outreach programs and partnerships with military organizations to identify and recruit qualified veterans and service members.

( 9%)  This category focuses on the company’s hiring and onboarding processes. Companies should ensure smooth transitions for veterans entering the workforce, with practices that acknowledge and leverage military skills and experience.

( 28%) – This category examines the support systems and retention strategies in place for military employees. Companies should provide comprehensive support services, mentorship programs, and professional development opportunities to ensure the long-term success and retention of veterans.

( 19%) – This category evaluates the opportunities for career advancement available to veterans within the company. Companies should promote veterans through the ranks and provide clear pathways for career growth.

( 17%) – This category assesses the company’s adherence to policies and regulations related to veteran employment. Companies must have policies that encourage veterans to self-identify and ensure compliance with federal standards protecting veteran rights.

Categories

Companies are scored by revenue and published in 5 different categories. Categories are detailed below. 

  • Over $5 Billion
  • $1 Billion $4.99 Billion
  • $500 Million $999 Million
  • Less than $500 Million
  • Nonprofit/Government

 

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