Xcel Energy signs support of Guard and Reserve employees for 15th year
Company named a Five-Star Employer for commitment to hiring veterans
One out of every 10 new hires at Xcel Energy is a military veteran, and the value of their dedication, leadership and commitment is clear. Xcel Energy appreciates and is strengthened by the contributions of those who have served and of employees who continue to serve as part of the National Guard and Reserves. And on May 16 in downtown Minneapolis, we marked a milestone by signing our Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve for the 15th consecutive year.
The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) program exists to ensure that employees who also serve in the Guard and Reserve have the resources and support they need to maintain their careers while also keeping their country safe. This means empowering managers to make choices that let service members focus on their commitments, like offering pay while they’re away for required military training, offering the difference between base pay and military pay for up to two years and extending health benefits.
We’re proud to sign our support of measures that let our employees know they have the resources they need, whether they’re dressing for the day in a hard hat and company badge or a military uniform. “As a veteran myself, I know that the unique skills of my fellow veterans make us a better, stronger company,” said chairman, president and CEO Bob Frenzel. “Our veterans, guardsmen and reservists will play a critical role as we continue to lead the nation in clean energy while serving our customers affordably and reliably.”
We’re also proud that our support has been recognized by others. During this year’s signing, the Minnesota National Guard Airwing’s commanding colonel presented Frenzel with a flag and unit patch carried by a Guard medical unit while deployed in Africa. In April, veterans’ resource VETS Indexes named Xcel Energy a Five-Star Employer, a distinction for organizations that do the most to hire, retain, promote and support veterans. And in 2022, we were one of 25 businesses recognized by ESGR State Committees with the Above and Beyond Award, given in limited numbers to employers who have had at least one supervisor or manager recognized with a Patriot Award for supporting Guard and Reserve employees.