December 16, 2022

No day goes by without employers and HR professionals hearing about how no one wants to work anymore. Unfortunately, these same professionals often overlook a valuable source of potential workers. This source has many individuals struggling to find work. Even as the labor market deals with shortages of willing and able workers, millions of the previously incarcerated find themselves discounted from the hiring process.

The social stigma surrounding prior incarcerations keeps businesses from tapping into this potential labor pool. As a result, employers continue to struggle with meeting minimum hiring needs. However, second-chance hiring advocates aim to change this view. According to the data, this could be one of the employers’ best decisions.

According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 600,000 people are released from prison each year, and approximately 70 million Americans live with a criminal arrest history. These people often submit hundreds of applications either flagged immediately or soon after a background check. This immediate denial is because many fear that hiring those with criminal records comes with risks. However, organizations utilizing second-chance hiring programs have found that these workers may prove more dependable than their record-free counterparts.

Though many view second-chance hiring as an altruistic endeavor, recent studies have shown that it may also offer a considerable economic benefit for employers. Furthermore, these studies have shown it particularly true for employers struggling to meet their labor needs.

For example, the Society of Human Resources Management ran a survey in 2021 that asked for the opinions of HR professionals. Roughly 75% of the professionals claimed that workers with criminal histories proved more dependable than those without records. In addition, 72% responded that they were equal or better at retaining their jobs than those without a criminal record. Similarly, research from the Second Chance Business Coalition found that more than 80% of HR professionals and business leaders report that these workers perform the same or better than those without a criminal record.

In the wake of recent events, such as the Great Resignation and continuing labor shortages, these statistics show that second-chance hiring could offer an extreme value that employers should not overlook.

Several major employers have begun to realize these workers’ value and have started updating their hiring and screening policies to reflect the evidence. Employers can review their hiring policies and correct them by working with a trusted screening provider. The right provider will ensure that they offer safety while not presenting a barrier to those with a criminal background.

Looking to easily verify your employment qualifications? Talk to a sales representative today about switching to pre-employment background checks.

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