Military Community
Through the Military Community at Work initiative, SHRM Foundation works directly with HR stakeholders to reduce barriers within the hiring process and enhance support for transitioning veterans, military spouses, caregivers, and national guard and reserve members throughout the employment life cycle.
Join us in recruiting, hiring, and retaining members of the military community.
The Importance of the Military Community
Members of the military community bring a wealth of experience and skills that can drive measurable business results. Their leadership, adaptability, and exceptional problem-solving abilities, refined through rigorous military training and service in high-pressure environments, directly translate into stronger team management and improved project outcomes. Improving employment outcomes for veterans could create nearly $15 billion in added U.S. economic value over the next decade.
Gain the skills to engage veterans and transitioning service members into your workforce effectively.
95%
HR professionals agree that military community members are uniquely trained to work through chaotic times.
98%
HR professionals believe veterans can thrive in a variety of work settings.
31%
HR professionals agree or strongly agree that their organization is effective at hiring military community members.
Empowering the Military-Connected Workforce
Each year, 200,000 U.S. service members transition to civilian life, bringing invaluable skills and leadership. The military community—comprising veterans, transitioning service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses—brings extraordinary value to the civilian workforce. And yet, embers of the military community chronically encounter significant barriers when searching for employment opportunities. The unemployment rate for active-duty military spouses, for example, is almost 5 times higher than the national average.
These individuals possess unique skills, leadership experience, resilience, and a mission-driven mindset that can strengthen any organization. Military Community at Work is designed to help employers better understand and engage this high-potential talent pool, while also providing the tools and strategies needed to create inclusive, supportive pathways to employment and advancement.
Unlocking the full potential of this community is not only the right thing to do—it’s a strategic imperative for a more dynamic and prepared workforce.
Research
Discover vital insights and strategies from the SHRM Foundation’s research report which addresses challenges in hiring and retaining military veterans, offering actionable solutions for employers.
Published by SHRM
View key findings on employing military spouses and discover strategies and insights to effectively leverage this valuable and often underutilized talent pool.
Published by SHRM
Understand the demographics, challenges experienced by, and key benefits of hiring veterans and military spouses, including reliability, leadership, and adaptability.
Published by US Chamber of Commerce Foundation
Resources and Tools
This free course leverages critical insights from subject matter experts and the latest research to equip you with the knowledge and actionable tools necessary to confidently adapt your workplace into one that attracts, hires, and retains military-connected talent.
With this guidebook, enhance your talent strategy with tools and training to effectively hire and retain military-connected professionals.
Published by SHRM Foundation
Volunteer as a Military Community Ambassador to educate and train employers in your community about how and why to recruit, hire, and retain members of the military community.
Funders and Partners
Funders
Partners
