Do You Think Hiring People With Criminal Records Might Be Good for Business?
Embracing a fair chance in hiring, regardless of someone’s background, is commendable. When an ex-offender is hired, it’ll increase their opportunity to reintegrate into society.
Although several employers may have shifted their standards and hired qualified employees with criminal records, not all are willing to create a pathway for second chances.
Are you a business owner torn between hiring and rejecting an applicant with a criminal record? Then this article is for you.
What are the myths and misconceptions associated with hiring people with criminal records? How can ex-convicts benefit a business? Is there any risk involved when you hire an ex-offender?
This article aims to answer these pressing questions about employing people with criminal records. It includes information on misconceptions about ex-convicts, their risk to society, and the pros and cons of hiring individuals with prison records. One important aspect to consider is the nature of the crime committed, such as assault and battery charges, which may pose different risks compared to other offenses. In cases like these, having an attorney is crucial as they can defend individuals accused of criminal offense.
Background checks are necessary whenever you are hiring people for your businesses. You can check inmate records by visiting sites like LookUpInmate.org. You can also look up their full name (i.e., David Gustaveson) on a people lookup or public records search site.
The site provides an online database of correctional facilities in the United States. Look over prisoner records to aid your background checks of people applying for employment.
Myths and Misconceptions About Hiring Ex-convicts
Sometimes, our fear and reprehension of doing something are due to misconceptions and myths coming from everywhere. It’s no surprise that it’s the same with hiring people with past criminal records.
Here are some myths and misconceptions about hiring ex-convicts for your business.
Hiring people with a criminal record is risky
There is a growing misconception that hiring individuals with criminal records is risky for one’s company. The truth is that no study or statistics prove the claim that employing ex-offenders resulted in any security issues for the business.
In the state of New York, there is an option where you can access the government’s federal bonding program. This program gives hiring incentives of up to $25,000 to businesses employing ex-convicts. This move encourages business owners to give a chance to people with criminal records and provide ex-convicts with a way to rebuild their lives.
People with criminal records are less reliable
The HR department of the John Hopkins Hospital said that people released from prison were dependable. There was no problematic termination, and about 500 ex-convicts hired showed lower turnover for the first 40 months. Notably, 79 individuals with serious offenses followed for three to six years.
People previously incarcerated have lesser skills for the job
Some business owners think ex-prisoners have lesser skills to be competitive in the market. So, they refrain from hiring those with criminal records. Business owners should be aware that correctional facilities provide vocational education for prisoners.
Aside from that, inmates, especially those trying hard to become better persons, have the characteristics and heart to focus on the jobs entrusted to them.
Ex-offenders have poor communication skills
The ability to communicate well with others can be learned and improved through practice. Inmates learn to talk with various people, making them more adaptive to different situations. Also, individuals released from prison tend to work hard to improve their lives.
Pros and Cons of Employing People With Criminal Records
Though many myths and misconceptions blanket the world of ex-convicts, the ones mentioned above are the most prevalent. Hiring discrimination, especially towards ex-convicts, may hinder their reintegration into society.
To give a balance on this issue, here are some of the pros and cons of hiring ex-offenders.
Pros
- Most ex-offenders are loyal and eager to prove themselves to have changed and are on the road to becoming better people.
- Many are excited to have a new career outside prison. The fear of finding a living haunts most convicts and providing them a chance is often well-received.
- Ex-offenders, especially those with prison time, have better ethics in following instructions. Correctional facilities’ strict compliance helped mold prisoners’ adherence to following instructions.
Cons
- Even with all the positive reinforcement given to prisoners, some don’t change. Though this is in the minority, there is still a small risk that you might have hired someone who simply doesn’t change.
- Conflict with other employees might occur. Even if business owners opened their arms to ex-offenders, employees might not be eager to accept that readily.
- Some prisoners who may have been incarcerated for a lengthy period may no longer have the flexibility to adapt to the fast-paced nature of some jobs today.
- Business owners may spend more time, effort, and money to prep an ex-convict for a job than hiring people straight from college.
Having laid down the pros and cons of applicants with criminal records, you, as a business owner, may now decide what course of action you will take.
At the end of the day, if you’ve come across an ex-convict eager to change their lives, you can be in that position to help them build a new world that’s full of hope.
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