The Positive Impacts of Employing People with a Criminal History

People with a criminal record tackle many challenges post release on their journey to reintegrate into the community and rebuild their lives. Ex-offenders may face mental or physical health issues, financial and housing insecurity, and lack of social support. On top of these, other factors like limited education, qualifications, and work experience as well as gaps in employment and digital literacy can make securing work a major challenge. However, those businesses that are open and willing to employ ex-offenders can be part of the solution, breaking the stigma and providing a life-changing opportunity for an individual and their family.

Benefits of hiring people with a criminal history for organisations

Dedicated and driven.

Employees with a criminal history will often be dedicated and hard workers. Having faced challenges in the past, many appreciate the opportunity for a fresh start. This gratitude translates into a strong work ethic and resilience as they strive to prove themselves and maintain their employment.

In conjunction with this, people with a justice past can be more loyal workers. They place a higher value on employment as they understand the difficulties of securing work, as well as the potential consequences of losing it. This, combined with the desire to stay out of prison, can lead to higher levels of loyalty and retention. In turn, this translates to significant cost savings for businesses through reduced spending on recruiting, onboarding and training.

Untapped talent

Many individuals with a criminal history have worked whilst incarcerated, and complete accredited qualifications and other practical training that can equip them with valuable, in-demand skills. In conjunction with their eagerness to work, this brings a wealth of opportunity for employers. Given the current labour shortage, especially in fields of construction, building, trades, and labour hire, people with a criminal history represent a significant untapped talent pool for employers facing labour difficulties. With the experience and qualifications ex-offenders can bring, employers are also able to save time and money on training and upskilling.

Diversity and promoting inclusivity

Employing individuals with a criminal history sends a strong message about your company’s values, highlighting an inclusive and accepting environment. When employees feel like their company values giving back and creating positive change, it can boost morale and can lead to higher levels of engagement and productivity. This commitment to social responsibility can also have a ripple effect, helping to change prejudices and judgments that often follow people with a criminal past. By creating a positive example, businesses can contribute to a more inclusive community where everyone has the chance to succeed.

Benefits of employment for people with a criminal history

Reducing Recidivism

In Australia over a quarter of released prisoners are reconvicted within three months of release and more than a third reimprisoned within two years. Approximately two-thirds of those reincarcerated are unemployed at the time they commit an offence. Employment has been identified as a key factor in an individual remaining crime free. Despite this, people with a criminal history have one of the highest rates of unemployment in Australia.

This lack of employment then creates a vicious cycle. People with a criminal history struggle to find work, leaving them financially vulnerable and with limited support. Stuck in limbo, the risk of reoffending to make ends meet and provide for their family becomes significantly higher. As such, helping people with a criminal history not only find, but keep work has now become a major focus of their rehabilitation and reintegration pathway.

Financial security and independence

One of the fundamental benefits for people with a criminal history obtaining work is the financial security it offers. Securing work, especially permanent and full-time positions, provides a consistent income stream which can have a domino effect for the individual and their family. It can help them to obtain housing, pay rent or make mortgage repayments, pay for utilities, healthcare, and other resources to ensure them and their families basic needs are met. It also provides them the ability to become independent and less reliant on government assistance. As well as assists to obtain better credit opportunities and other financial services that can further help with long-term success.

The value of meaning, motivation, and teamwork

Along with the financial incentives, employment provides several powerful draw cards to help people with a criminal history stay on track. Having a job brings structure and a set routine in an individual’s life, this can help develop positive habits and enhanced focus. In conjunction with this, having a job brings purpose and responsibility to fulfill expectations. This accountability can be a powerful motivator to stay on the right path.

Employment often provides a transformative and safe environment that allows people to flourish, grow, and feel a sense of pride in themselves and their work. Successfully completing tasks, problem-solving effectively, and mastering new abilities all contribute to feelings of accomplishment. For people with a criminal history in particular, work offers a powerful opportunity to build a positive identity, gain confidence and grow self-esteem.

Being employed in a team environment provides a sense of belonging as well as valuable social interactions, camaraderie, and even friendships. Feeling valued as part of a team and having positive relationships with co-workers can be a powerful force for positive change. This social connection is particularly important for people with a criminal history who may have previously faced segregation or fractured relationships.

Benefits of hiring people with a criminal history for your community

Economy

Hiring people with a criminal history extends its positive impact beyond the workplace and into the very fabric of the community. When people with a criminal history gain steady employment, they become contributing members of the economy. Their income translates into increased spending power, which stimulates local businesses and creates a ripple effect of growth. Additionally, as people with a criminal history become financially self-sufficient, they become less reliant on government assistance, further contributing to a healthier economic system.

Healthy households

Stable employment fosters stable households. With a secure income, people with a criminal history are better equipped to provide for their families, creating a more secure and healthy home environment. This stability can also break the cycle of incarceration that often plagues families across generations. By staying on track and leading by example, ex-offenders can disrupt the patterns of crime that may have been present in their families, leading to a brighter future for generations to come.

Workskil Australia: Your partner in no-cost recruitment

Workskil Australia works with a wide range of businesses, big and small, to help them meet their recruitment needs with a diverse range of cohorts, including those with a criminal history. Our team has extensive experience working with people with a criminal history and understands the unique challenges and opportunities they present. We are there every step of the way to answer your questions, provide solutions, and ensure you are supported throughout the process, including after placement.

We work with customers with a criminal history at different stages of their incarceration and reintegration journey. This provides us with a good understanding of their goals and needs and enables us to make the best match for both the individual and employer.

If you would like to know more about our diversity recruitment services, click here or contact us for more information.