The Salt Lake Chamber and Utah Community Builders have released the “Fair Chance Hiring Guide,” a new resource for the business community to learn about hiring individuals previously involved with the justice system and make a positive impact on the lives of those seeking a second chance.
“Involvement with the justice system is incredibly common. Approximately one in four Utahns has a criminal background, and many of these individuals are left out of the workforce,” said Derek Miller, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber. “However, this presents an opportunity. Many of these individuals have the skills and experience, and by embracing fair chance hiring, employers can fill crucial positions with individuals eager to reintegrate into society and build meaningful careers. When we provide individuals the opportunity to rebuild their lives through gainful employment, we invest in a brighter future for our region.”
Hiring individuals previously involved with the justice system can offer several benefits to employers and society as a whole, including:
- Diverse Skill Sets: Many justice-involved individuals have years of past work experience prior to their conviction or have acquired valuable skills that can be applied to various job roles.
- Strong Work Ethics: Having faced adversity, many justice-involved individuals are highly motivated to prove themselves, often demonstrating strong work ethics and commitment.
- Loyalty and Dedication: National studies show that those given a second chance tend to exhibit higher levels of loyalty and dedication to their employers, appreciating the employment opportunity.
- Community Reintegration: Employing justice-involved individuals can support their successful reintegration into society, reducing recidivism rates.
- Societal Impact: Fair chance hiring contributes to safer communities by providing opportunities for individuals to lead law-abiding lives.
The “Fair Chance Hiring Guide” provides steps and resources for employers to utilize when in the hiring process, such as reviewing and adapting policies to remove barriers, developing onboarding programs that provide training and support, and sourcing talent from a variety of channels. In addition, the guide provides insights into the legal aspects of fair chance hiring, ensuring businesses operate within the bounds of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws, local ordinances and state regulations.
To view the “Fair Chance Hiring Guide,” click here.
