5 Reasons NOT Hiring Justice-Impacted Job Seekers is Hurting Your Business

In today's fast-paced and ever-changing business landscape, hiring decisions have a more profound impact on a company's growth than ever before. Companies seeking to remain competitive should consider every possible avenue to attract the best talent and to create a diverse workforce. One overlooked pool of potential employees is justice-impacted job seekers – individuals who have been incarcerated in the past and are now seeking gainful employment.

Here are 5 reasons why not hiring justice-impacted job seekers could be a strategic misstep for your business:

1.????? You Can’t Grow by Cutting Hours of Operation

Expanding business operations and hours are vital for growth. By not hiring from all potential talent pools, businesses may find themselves understaffed and thus may have to cut operating hours. On the other hand, hiring justice-impacted job seekers can provide a steady flow of dedicated workers, ensuring that you never have to limit your operation hours due to a lack of manpower.

2.????? Increasing Workloads for Existing Staff Will Only Increase Job Openings

Overburdening your current employees by not filling vacant positions quickly and effectively can lead to burnout and higher turnover rates. The more you demand from your staff without providing additional support, the more likely they are to seek other opportunities. By incorporating justice-impacted individuals into your hiring strategy, you're effectively plugging holes in your workforce and relieving stress on existing staff.

3.????? You Don’t Get $7,000+ To Train Employees

There are numerous incentives for employers to hire justice-impacted job seekers. One notable incentive is the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), which can provide employers with a tax credit of up to $2,400 for hiring and training individuals from certain target groups, including justice-impacted job seekers. By not tapping into this talent pool, you're potentially leaving money on the table. When combined with other on the job training credits (OJT), the total credits and reimbursements can easily exceed $7000 per qualified job seeker.

4.????? Your Head of HR/General Manager Don’t Have Time to Coach Employees

High staff turnover necessitates a considerable amount of time from your HR team or management to coach and train new employees. While it's true that all new hires require some level of orientation and training, hiring justice-impacted job seekers may reduce overall training time. Many justice-impacted individuals have already undergone job training and personal development programs during their time in the justice system, making them job-ready from day one.

5.????? Longer Retention Amongst Justice-Impacted Job Seekers

Contrary to some misconceptions, studies have shown that justice-impacted job seekers, when given a chance, often have higher retention rates compared to other groups. This loyalty could be due to the increased appreciation for the opportunity or the structured nature of their past experiences. Hiring for retention is a strategic move that can save businesses money and time in the long run.

*Bonus: Well-Supported Employees Are Mentally and Physically Healthier

Employees who feel supported in their roles and believe they have been given a fair shot are generally happier and healthier. This not only leads to a positive work environment but also reduces the costs associated with health issues and absenteeism.

Working with Fair Chance Employment Platform | The Way Out (thewayouthelps.com) to diversify your companies hiring practices to include well-supported justice-impacted job seekers can provide your company with numerous benefits, from financial incentives to increased staff retention. It's time for businesses to think outside the box and recognize the value that these individuals can bring to the table.

Contact Eli Rivera at [email protected] to learn more.