Second Chance Hiring

Good morning and welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee. It may not be morning where you are. I’m getting a late start today on writing and come to you from somewhere over the U.S on a plane headed to Las Vegas. Sounds exciting, huh? It is, actually. I’m speaking to HR professionals at the SHRM annual conference. The topic? Second Chance hiring and the benefits thereof. Second Chance hiring, also known as hiring individuals with a criminal record or a history of incarceration, has several advantages for both employers and society as a whole. Here are some key advantages for hiring justice impacted individuals:

1. Access to a Larger Talent Pool: By considering individuals with a criminal record, employers can tap into a wider pool of potential employees. This can be particularly beneficial in industries facing labor shortages or skills gaps. Second Chance hiring allows employers to access skilled individuals who may have made mistakes in the past but are motivated to reintegrate into society and contribute positively.

2. Diverse Perspectives and Skills: Second Chance hiring promotes diversity in the workplace. People with criminal records bring unique perspectives, life experiences, and skills to the table. Their different backgrounds can enhance creativity, problem-solving abilities, and innovation within the organization. They may also possess transferable skills from their previous work or training experiences.

3. Loyalty and Dedication: Individuals who are given a second chance through employment often exhibit higher levels of loyalty and dedication. They appreciate the opportunity to rebuild their lives and are more likely to demonstrate commitment and hard work. They understand the value of employment and the importance of maintaining it, which can result in increased productivity and reduced turnover for the employer.

4. Positive Impact on Recidivism: One of the primary benefits of Second Chance hiring is its potential to reduce recidivism rates. Gainful employment provides individuals with a stable income, a sense of purpose, and a pathway to self-sufficiency. By giving them a chance to rebuild their lives and support their families, employers contribute to breaking the cycle of criminal behavior and reintegrating individuals into society.

5. Corporate Social Responsibility: Hiring individuals with criminal records aligns with the principles of corporate social responsibility. It demonstrates a commitment to equal opportunity, social inclusion, and community development. Employers that prioritize Second Chance hiring can improve their public image, strengthen their relationships with local communities, and contribute to overall social welfare.

6. Cost Savings: Second Chance hiring can lead to cost savings for employers. By providing individuals with employment opportunities, the need for public assistance programs and resources decreases. Additionally, hiring from this pool may provide access to government incentives, such as tax credits or wage subsidies, that can offset some of the costs associated with training or supporting the reintegration process.

On a recent episode of CBS Sunday Morning News, I read where there are 9.9 million job openings in the U.S. but only 5.8 million unemployed workers. So why is it so hard to get a job after incarceration? I hope you aren’t sitting there, reading this, drinking your coffee, and thinking, “Well, you know how folks who’ve been in prison are! They don’t want to work. “ You would never think that, I know. But some people do, and I would respond by saying that of the 600,000 people released from U.S. prisons every year, some are bound to be lazy. Some are no doubt happy to live on government assistance, and for some that may be their only option. Others may be disabled. You know. The usual, when it comes to a large number of humans. But the largest number of people I work with who come out of incarceration do want to work. They want good jobs. They want to support themselves and their families and have purpose every day. Just like you and me. So why can’t they?

Our system and our society make returning to the workforce incredibly difficult. It’s not just lack of skills that set people back, it’s unfair hiring policies that exclude them from the workforce, even when their original charges aren’t associated in any way to the job for which they’re applying (which is illegal but happens anyway). There is conscious and implicit biases that create barriers no one can overcome by themselves. There are restitution laws that make earning money a misery for people (aka the government swoops in and takes the money earned then forces people to pay taxes on money they never even received). And we wonder why the recidivism rate is so high?

It's important to note that while Second Chance hiring offers numerous advantages, employers should still conduct their due diligence in evaluating candidates and implementing appropriate risk management strategies to ensure a safe and secure work environment for all employees. Of course. But if you want a dedicated, eager to learn, dependable employee, boy…do I know a workforce you can tap into!

What happens in Vegas this week will definitely not stay there. Hoping to talk about all these things this week, and maybe make a difference. Who’s with me?

Cheers!