Why Should I Hire An Ex-Offender?
In today’s fiercely competitive job market, securing and retaining talented employees is essential for a company's success. They enhance efficiency, drive innovation, and improve customer satisfaction while reducing turnover costs. However, an often-overlooked source pool of talent lies in individuals who have triumphed over formidable challenges, including those who are ex- offenders. For companies, embracing fair chance hiring presents an opportunity to access a diverse pool of talent, enhance efforts in diversity and inclusion, and potentially qualify for valuable credits.
According to a survey conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), most HR professionals and business leaders acknowledge that ex-offenders perform as effectively as other employees. They prioritize hiring the most qualified candidates irrespective of criminal history. Employers practicing fair chance hiring typically report lower turnover rates among ex-offenders. Given the limited job opportunities available to them, once hired, these individuals are less likely to seek alternative employment.
SHRM found that 53 percent of HR professionals and business leaders are willing to hire individuals with a criminal record, yet only 10 percent actively recruit from this pool. Unfortunately, many employers create employment through unfair hiring practices. However, having a criminal record does not automatically mean hiring them would be a poor decision. Here are some advantages for fair chance hiring:
· Vast Talent Pool
Roughly 77 million people (about twice the population of California) in the United States have some type of criminal record, yet many possess valuable skills and talents that go unrecognized in conventional hiring practices. By considering these individuals, employers can access a broader range of talents and capabilities, thereby enriching their workforce with individuals who possess in construction, skilled trades, hospitality, customer service, and other fields that require hands-on experience and practical abilities.
· Loyal Employees
Individuals with a criminal record often become loyal employees because they see employment as a chance for redemption and stability. Many develop strong work ethics and prioritize their job to avoid past mistakes and are dedicated to building a better future. Their commitment to their employer will often translate into reliability, productivity, and desire for personal growth within the organization.
· Tax Incentives:
Employers can receive tax credits, tax breaks, and other financial incentives through the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), available for both federal and state level.
These inclusive approaches not only benefit businesses by accessing untapped potential but also promote rehabilitation and offer pathways to economic stability for these individuals. The RISE Initiative can help businesses place ex-offenders and other applicants by offering solutions that limit while providing needed personnel. The RISE Initiative aims to promote fair chance hiring across Houston by supporting clients and candidates through career coaching, placement, tax credits, subsidies, and skill development. These chances help people understand that first impressions are not the whole person, fair chances help people learn valuable lessons, restore hope, and thrive. Hiring can help people with criminal records find employment and become initiative-taking members of society.
Here at The RISE Initiative, we believe that hope is tangible. RISE is dedicated to partnering with companies to provide fair-chance employment opportunities for individuals seeking to rebuild their lives post-incarceration. Join us in making a difference empowering individuals through faith.