Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
A new analysis from SHRM reveals that while the veteran workforce in America continues to shrink, it remains one of the most skilled, experienced and leadership-ready segments of the labor market.
According to the Labor Force Snapshot: Veterans in the U.S. Labor Force report, the veteran labor force has declined by more than 40% since 2000, despite veterans maintaining education levels comparable to nonveterans and being more likely to hold professional certifications.
“Veterans and the military community are one of America’s most valuable untapped talent pools,” says Wendi Safstrom, president of the SHRM Foundation. “At SHRM Foundation, we are committed to empowering employers to recognize and harness the full potential of veterans and their families and caregivers through efforts like our Military Community at Work initiative and our Military Community Ambassadors program. We will continue to honor our service members and work to connect them to quality job opportunities.”
SHRM also found that veterans make up roughly 5% of the overall employed population. The largest concentration of veterans are found in industries closely aligned with military-acquired skills like public administration (14.6%), public utilities (10.1%), protective service (16.4%) and installation, maintenance and repair (10.9%).
For business owners, employing former service members recognizes a veteran’s service and is a strategic workforce investment. The North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) recognizes that not only have these individuals made a lasting impact on their country, but they are also a prominent and positive influence within the home improvement industry.
To honor the ongoing impact military veterans make throughout the home improvement industry, NHPA launched the Helmets to Home Improvement recognition program, with the National Hardware Show (NHS) as the program’s official founding sponsor and venue partner.
To nominate a Helmets to Home Improvement honoree, visit YourNHPA.org/veterans.
