Most hiring managers understand that applicants with criminal backgrounds shouldn’t just be written off. These individuals have the potential to bring a lot of value to organizations.
According to a study done by The Economy League, hiring former inmates benefits both the businesses that hire them as well as the cities and states that have employers willing to invest in these individuals.
There are actually some very tangible benefits that businesses can receive for giving former inmates a second chance and equal respect for paying their dues.
Mutual Respect
Oftentimes, inmates will be very thankful to the manager that decided to give them a chance. Former inmates have most likely been through some rough times in their pursuit of re-integrating with society. Every chance they are given is an important one toward their end goal of getting back to normal.
After all, these inmates have paid their debt to society and are trying to better themselves when searching for employment. This respect can go a long way for their prospects of improving their lives and not getting sent back to prison.
Prior Training
Inmates will most likely have job experience from their time in prison. This makes it essential to see what types of skills they picked up while serving their time and how this could benefit your organization. These experiences could potentially have improved attention to detail, motivation, and overall discipline toward their career.
Every hiring manager understands the importance of prior experience, and you would be surprised to learn of many of the programs prisoners could potentially have participated in ranging from technology programs to business management.
Commitment
As we mentioned, when an inmate is hired after doing time, they are very appreciative of their new job. This can lead to long-term commitments from employees that may be hard to find otherwise. Many of these ex-inmates are very motivated to get back to normal and are quick to learn, adapt, and commit to the new opportunities ahead of them.
Potential Tax Incentives
There are some very beneficial programs in place that actually provide incentives to businesses that are willing to give former inmates an opportunity to work and change their lives for the better.
The work opportunity tax credit gives employers up to $2,400 for each ex-con that they hire. These inmates must be hired within a year from when they are released from prison.
Break the Cycle of Incarceration
There are roughly 6.9 million individuals incarcerated or on parole in the United States. Of these people, more than two-thirds will end up back in prison within three years of release.
Mass incarceration has a multi-generational effect on families as well as the underprivileged communities they represent.
Gainful employment is a leading disruptor in this cycle as it offers previous offenders purpose and a way to reintegrate into society more easily.
Speak With An HR Consulting Firm
Helping former inmates get a fighting chance at staying out of prison should be an important aspect of any hiring manager’s agenda. The potential talent, as well as the benefits it can provide your business, are well worth it in the long run.
HR Search and Rescue is a full-service HR consulting firm that aims to help solve workplace issues and provide proven methods to improve productivity and efficiency. Contact us online to learn more about hiring former inmates and what strategic advantages they may bring to your organization.