One of the biggest challenges that formerly incarcerated people face is finding employment. Not only do many employers refuse to hire people with a criminal record, but people often leave prison without the education and basic skills needed to maintain employment.
That’s where businesses like Nehemiah Manufacturing come in, offering formerly incarcerated individuals a chance at reentry without judgment. Their story has been shared by Stand Together.
Nehemiah Manufacturing
At Nehemiah Manufacturing, 80% of employees are second chances hires, providing a place for formerly incarcerated people to earn a living and contribute to the economy while being treated with dignity and respect for who they are today and not what they did in the past.
Second chance hiring also plays a role in meeting worker shortages. In the instance of the manufacturing industry, the United States is expected to have 2.1 million manufacturing jobs unfilled by 2030, contributing to a $1 trillion loss in gross domestic product.
The Manufacturing Institute is countering this problem by creating programs for second chance hiring, and businesses have responded by embracing the opportunity to recruit and retain second chance hires.
The Value of Second-Chance Hiring
Businesses and communities are being strengthened through these programs. For example, turnover rates are lower among second-chance hires, helping businesses save money on hiring and training.
The vast majority of HR professionals (85%) and business leaders (81%) also report that second-chance hires perform the same or even better than employees without a criminal record.
As the workplace culture shifts to be more inclusive, second chance hiring is proving valuable for both individuals and businesses, strengthening the economy and stabilising communities.