Honoring Service and Strengthening Workplaces: An Industrial-Organizational Psychology Perspective on Memorial Day

Submitted By Kimberly Derryberry, PhD, on behalf of the SIOP Military and Veterans Inclusion Subcommittee

As Americans observe Memorial Day, a solemn occasion honoring the service members who gave their lives for our nation, there lies an opportunity for reflection that extends beyond the ceremonial. Although parades, flag raisings, and moments of silence commemorate fallen heroes, this National Day of Remembrance can also serve as a meaningful call to examine how we support military-connected individuals in the workplace.

Industrial and organizational psychology, the science of human behavior in organizations, offers powerful tools to improve the experiences of veterans, military spouses, National Guard and Reserve members, and Gold Star families within our professional environments. Memorial Day is not only about remembering the dead—it is about supporting the living who carry their legacy forward.

For many veterans, the transition from military to civilian employment is fraught with challenges: navigating unfamiliar organizational cultures, translating military experience into civilian competencies, and combating biases or misconceptions about mental health or leadership style. I-O psychologists are uniquely positioned to help bridge this gap by:

• designing effective onboarding programs that validate prior service while supporting skill transfer,
• creating inclusive hiring practices that reduce bias against military-connected applicants, and
• developing leadership models that recognize the diverse styles veterans bring to civilian organizations.

This work isn’t just beneficial to veterans; it’s good for business. Research shows military-connected individuals bring valuable traits, discipline, resilience, teamwork, and mission focus, which enhance organizational effectiveness.

Although Memorial Day often focuses on sacrifice, I-O psychologists remind us of the psychological need for belonging and purpose—both central to military life and often disrupted upon separation from service. Workplaces can foster this sense of connection by:

• implementing employee resource groups (ERGs) for veterans and military families,
• training managers on cultural competence regarding military experiences, and/or
• ensuring psychological safety so that employees feel comfortable disclosing military affiliation or service-related trauma without fear of stigma.

These interventions go beyond compliance, they are about honoring the full humanity of those who have served and the families who support them.

As we lower our flags to half staff and pause in silence this Memorial Day, let us also commit to active remembrance. I-O psychologists, HR professionals, and organizational leaders alike must:

• audit current policies to ensure they are inclusive of military-connected employees,
• invest in leadership development that recognizes and integrates the strengths of veterans, and
• partner with community organizations to provide employment pipelines for transitioning service members.

Memorial Day asks us to remember. I-O psychology challenges us to do more than remember, to act. By leveraging the principles of our science to foster workplace environments where military-connected individuals thrive, we honor not only those who served and died, but also those who continue to serve in new capacities every day.

Let this Memorial Day be a catalyst for creating inclusive, purposeful workplaces, because honoring service requires more than words. It requires action.

Want to take action now?

• Review your organization’s veteran hiring and retention strategies.
• Contact your I-O psychology team or HR department to start a military-inclusive initiative.
• Support or establish a veteran employee resource group.

The torch of remembrance is passed to each of us, let’s carry it into our workplaces.