Americans with a criminal record hovers around the 78 million mark. Companies are also struggling to find good employees at all levels of their operations.
Employers are missing out on the segment of the population that has a criminal record to their disadvantage.
Studies show that many employers still require applicants to undergo a background check, and if a criminal record arises it can reduce the chances of a second interview by 50 percent.
Studies show that many employers still require applicants to undergo a background check, and if a criminal record arises it can reduce the chances of a second interview by 50 percent.
The current unemployment rate among formerly incarcerated people in the United States is 27 percent, which is high.
Some companies have figured out how and why to tap into this community of people in order to fill jobs. Some have established successful programs that give people with criminal records a real chance at meaningful employment, or second chance employment.
Some companies have figured out how and why to tap into this community of people in order to fill jobs. Some have established successful programs that give people with criminal records a real chance at meaningful employment, or second chance employment.
These companies are seeing the benefits of hiring within this group of people.
Studies have shown that “85 percent of human resources and 81 percent of business leaders report that individuals
with criminal records perform the same as, or better than, employees without criminal records.”
A high number also report that the value second chance employees bring to their organization is as high as, or higher than, that of workers without records.
Second chance hires are oftentimes found to be loyal and productive and have lower turnover rates, which saves companies’ money.
Combined, these higher-quality outputs so lead to overall stronger company performance.
If companies overlook people with records in their hiring practice, they are missing out on an opportunity to improve their workplace and also improve inclusion, diversity, and equity in the work space.
If companies overlook people with records in their hiring practice, they are missing out on an opportunity to improve their workplace and also improve inclusion, diversity, and equity in the work space.
And not only in the workspace. Giving second chance hiring opportunities to people is a way to break the cycle of economic hardship, poverty and incarceration. When individuals improve their financial situation their family and community thrive by growing a better local economy, which helps all companies.
