Johnson & Johnson this week was presented the “Extraordinary Employer Support Award” from the U.S. Department of Defense for the company’s support of National Guard/Reserve employees.
The award, which was given by the N.J. State Chair of the DoD Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve organization was presented during the company’s annual Military-Connected Employee Resource Group Summit.
Johnson & Johnson has four dedicated military hiring pathways to enable veterans to apply their skills to high-demand careers across Johnson & Johnson, including:
· Military Veteran Leadership Development Program;
· Experienced Veteran Leadership Development Program;
· Janssen Veteran Sales Pathway;
· DoD SkillBridge internship-to-hire pathway.
Courtney Billington, a U.S. Army veteran who serves as the head of North American Government Affairs at Johnson & Johnson and the executive sponsor of the J&J Leadership Council, said its commitment to veterans is a passion that can be found companywide.
“Through the work of our employees, support from our senior leaders and our great community partners, we are proud to hire, support and advance military-connected talent,” he said.
In 2020, the company launched the Office of Military & Veterans Affairs to provide dedicated support and engagement to military-connected employees and the broader military community.
J&J Military & Veterans Affairs works across the company to ensure best-in-class supportive policies and processes including: specialized onboarding, an expanded Military Leave policy and best of its kind military spouse employee benefits.
There also is a military-connected employee resource group, and the J&J Veterans Leadership Council.
With more than 25 chapters and 1,500 active members spread across the business and nation, all military-connected employees and supporters have the opportunity to engage in meaningful programming to enrich their experience – from professional development events to networking to opportunities to volunteer internally and externally, all supporting enhanced retention of this community.
The VLC has a working group specifically focused on providing development opportunities to support the retention and career advancement of military-connected employees.
Billington said everyone at the company benefits from the program – and the unique talents that those with a military background bring.
“Veterans, service members and military spouses bring unique perspectives, values based decision-making skills, and leadership experiences that help Johnson & Johnson solve the world’s toughest health challenges,” he said.
