Hire Returning Citizens

Second chance employees offer an untapped solution for companies to address worker shortages and enhance overall performance.

• Worker shortages are related to birth rate declines, and optimizing workforce participation among workforce participation among untapped groups is likely to be a smart strategy for the foreseeable future. (Source: Untapped Talent: Author Jeff Korzenik)
• Virginia has a labor market deficit, with only 69 workers available for every 100 jobs available (Source: U.S. Chamber of Commerce)
• About 10,000 workers enter the Virginia labor market from the Virginia labor market from the Virginia Department of Corrections every year – a cohort the size of our largest state university’s graduating class.

Second chance employment has proven to be an effective talent strategy across a variety of industries.

• 85% of human resource professionals and 81% of business leaders report that individuals with criminal records perform the same as, or better than, employees without criminal records (Source: SHRM)
• 82% of managers and 67% of HR professionals report that the value second chance employees bring to their own organization is as high as, or higher than, that of workers without records (Source: SHRM)
• Growing and customizable college and credential programs in Virginia prisons and jails increase the talent proposition of second chance hires.

Supports and incentives exist for employers who practice second chance employment.

• For new hires, the Federal Bonding Program provides $5,000-$25,000 fidelity bonds for six months, at no cost to employers, mitigating against theft, forgery, larceny, or embezzlement. (Source: The Federal Bonding Program website)
• Businesses may qualify for tax credits through programs like the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) for hiring individuals with criminal records.