Divulging the Many Benefits of Fair Chance Hiring

We all deserve a fair chance at making something of ourselves and working to the limits of our abilities. Fair hiring practices can have many positives, the most important of which involves humanizing workers and giving them another go at establishing themselves in the workforce. There are many benefits of fair chance hiring and employers need to start embracing a second chance employment agenda in their recruitment strategies, both to support their community as well as embrace a range of talent in their workforce.

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Benefits of Fair Chance Hiring—Why Should You Care About Offering Workers a Second Chance?

Every worker is presented with an individual list of opportunities as well as a myriad number of challenges and struggles they have encountered. Some get a head start as a result of the benefits they are granted early on in their lives. These individuals get to capitalize on their socio-economic conditions and shape a future for themselves very efficiently, however, not everyone is provided with a similar springboard. 

Others, due to their existing circumstances or conditions of their own making, sometimes stumble in their attempts to chart a path towards their future successfully. Despite their missteps, they are also deserving of a second chance. 

What is Fair Chance Hiring?

Fair chance hiring programs refer to organizational efforts to provide employment opportunities for individuals who have had encounters with the criminal justice system in the past but are now looking for employment. These candidates have a much harder time finding work compared to other candidates, as organizations are quick to turn them away.

According to JP Morgan Chase, every one in three Americans has a criminal record. Regardless of the scale of the crime or whether it led to an arrest, these previous clashes with the law continue to affect the individual’s prospects for the rest of their lives. 

A criminal record significantly limits the kind of opportunities the individual can apply for, and even the roles that they do apply for are likely to turn them down. With a limited number of callbacks and only low-paying opportunities available to them, these individuals are thus more likely to turn towards a life of crime and poverty, thus prolonging the cycle of struggle. 

Benefits of Fair Chance Hiring

Many individuals who are successfully rehabilitated by the system are eager to fix the mistakes of their past and continue to build a life for themselves just like any other employee. They are motivated to go the extra mile to secure relevant qualifications for future roles. Despite their ambitions to work hard and do better, the lack of fair chance hiring programs and the bias against them prevent them from seeking employment opportunities confidently. 

While aiding these individuals is one of the main reasons for investing in fair hiring practices, there are many benefits of fair chance hiring that the employer can enjoy as well. 

Fair Chance Hiring Can Address the Talent Shortage

Having a fair change strategy for the workforce can help employers find workers at a time when there is a pervasive labor shortage across industries. These workers are willing to work and contribute to the system and are extremely motivated to make the most of the employment opportunity. 

There is a considerable pool of untapped talent out there, looking for the right opportunity to get back into the workforce. Instead of writing off the candidate through a background check without ever considering their abilities and qualifications, it is helpful to give these individuals a chance. 

Helps Secure Hardworking Employees Who Contribute Great Value to the Organization

As mentioned in JP Morgan Chase’s Second Chance Employment Agenda, 82% of managers report that second-chance employees provide an equal or even higher value to an organization compared to workers without a criminal record. These employees are often more committed to making the most of the jobs offered to them and as such, they work hard to prove themselves. 

Higher Retentions Rates are Expected with Fair Chance Hiring Strategies

Employees who are hired through fair chance hiring programs are believed to be more committed to their jobs and unlikely to swing from job to job. Working with such employees can help establish a long-term relationship with a focus on growth for both parties. As a result, such retention numbers can help offer some stability for the organization. 

An Investment in the Community Is Beneficial for Any Organization

With fair hiring practices, the community that exists outside the organization also thrives. An organization does not function in isolation and works along with the individuals who exist in its immediate vicinity. As the community grows, the kind of business deals and customer relationships an organization is able to attract also improve. Businesses can even work with nonprofits and associated rehabilitation programs.

Showcase a Culture of Inclusivity and Diversity

Fair chance hiring not only resolves the talent shortage crisis but also creates a diverse talent pool within the organization. Creating a second-chance employment agenda allows the organization to commit fully to the goal of building a workforce that is constructed of a variety of experiences and perspectives. 

Organizations need to work carefully to determine how they want to set up a fair chance hiring program and create precise steps to initiate its program. While the start can feel a little rocky, it won’t be long before the organization is able to set up a plan that works in its favor.

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