The SHRM Foundation’s mission is to mobilize the power of HR and activate the generosity of donors to lead positive social change affecting all things work. The SHRM Foundation is committed to elevating and empowering HR as a social force by developing and providing evidence-based solutions that address workplace inclusion, by designing programs that inspire and empower the next generation of HR leaders, and by awarding scholarships and professional development grants in support of students and HR professionals.
In 2019, the SHRM Foundation highlighted three untapped, high-potential pools of talent to lead positive social change through inclusive initiatives:
SHRM Foundation Veterans at Work (former service members)
The SHRM Foundation identified veterans as a highly valuable part of a diverse and inclusive workforce and is dedicating resources to helping former service members integrate into the civilian workforce. This year, more than 9,500 HR professionals registered for the SHRM Foundation’s Veterans at Work certificate program sponsored by Comcast NBCUniversal. In partnership with PsychArmor Institute and subject matter experts at the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University, the Foundation developed the content for this certificate program, which is accompanied by a guidebook that provides the business case for hiring veterans—The Recruitment, Hiring, Retention & Engagement of Military Veterans by Deborah Bradbard and James Schmeling (SHRM Foundation, 2018). Through this certificate program, HR professionals, hiring managers and front-line supervisors are learning best practices associated with attracting, hiring and retaining these talented professionals and the skills veterans bring to the civilian workplace. Additionally, with the support of JPMorgan Chase & Co., the SHRM Foundation developed a complimentary digital toolkit providing additional high-quality, no-cost resources to aid veteran employment at each stage of the employee lifecycle— employer readiness, talent acquisition, hiring and onboarding, talent development and talent mobility.
The certificate program is open to all, and, as an additional bonus, SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP credential-holders can earn 10 professional development credits (PDCs) toward recertification.
To learn more about this multifaceted program, visit shrmfoundation.org/veterans.
Getting Talent Back to Work (people with criminal records)
Nearly 700,000 people are released from prison each year and often find themselves locked out of the job market. Those who have served their time should not be “re-sentenced” by employers, especially when businesses are experiencing a human capital crisis. In response to the First Step Act becoming law, this movement is the next step to getting those with criminal histories a fair chance at employment. The Getting Talent Back to Work initiative, led by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the SHRM Foundation, aims to end outdated, non-inclusive hiring practices. By using this toolkit, businesses and HR leaders are empowered to confidently evaluate applicants with criminal records; the toolkit equips them with the latest research, evidence-based best practices and industry guidance needed to reduce legal liability and increase inclusive hiring from this untapped talent pool. Almost 2,000 business leaders and 600 organizations have pledged to consider these candidates and offer those that qualify a second chance.
To take the pledge, visit gettingtalentbacktowork.org.
Employing Abilities @Work (people with disabilities)
To better understand how HR professionals can lead meaningful change for people with disabilities in the workplace, the SHRM Foundation partnered with the Workplace Initiative by Understood and SHRM to launch new research in October 2019. The Employing Abilities @Work Research Report examines the understanding of disability in the workplace, attitudes and opinions around disabilities in the workplace, disability inclusion initiatives, recruitment of those with disabilities, accessibility and accommodation, and training and capacity building. This research reveals the limited knowledge companies have about employees with disabilities, how to best support this high-potential labor force and what can be done to be inclusive of people with disabilities at work. With the unemployment rate for individuals with disabilities being almost double that of peers without disabilities (6.1% vs. 3.2%, according to Bureau of Labor statistics from September 2019), this initiative aims to expand awareness of employment challenges and strengthen the skills and abilities of professionals to hire, retain, and advance this high-potential labor force.
A certificate program will launch in 2020 and will be entirely free and open to all.
To read the research report and learn more about upcoming work in 2020, visit employingabilites.org.
The SHRM Foundation is committed to elevating the knowledge of students and HR professionals. In 2019, the SHRM Foundation impacted the lives of more than 300 HR professionals and students by awarding more than half a million dollars in scholarships and awards, delivered to those seeking SHRM certification, learning and networking opportunities at SHRM conferences, or undergraduate or graduate degrees. These scholarships help educate and develop HR professionals and students to make change happen. On the local level, chapters and state councils were awarded more than $50,000 through Innovation Grants to help drive local veteran employment programs.
Thanks to our generous donors, the SHRM Foundation is committed to creating life-changing experiences for those we serve so that they thrive and achieve their goals. Whether it is investing in state councils or chapters through the Innovation Grant program, or in HR professionals or students who without SHRM Foundation support would be unable to participate in a SHRM conference or further their education, the SHRM Foundation is committed to elevating and advancing the HR profession and, with donor help, transforming our vision to contribute to ensuring a world of work that works for all.
To learn more about the great work of the SHRM Foundation, visit shrmfoundation.org.
The SHRM Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit affiliate of the Society for Human Resource Management.