Fair Chance Month: Second-Chance Hires Boost Company Culture

As April marks Fair Chance Month, Frontier Co-op CEO Tony Bedard is shining a spotlight on the significant benefits of second-chance hiring. He champions the practice, noting its positive influence on company culture and employee morale, and shares how it has tangibly strengthened his workforce.

The Impact of Second-Chance Hiring

Bedard highlights data indicating that a vast majority of HR professionals (85%) and business leaders (81%) believe individuals with justice-involved pasts perform as well as, or even better than, other employees. At Frontier Co-op, the “Breaking Down Barriers to Employment” program, launched in 2018, adopts a holistic approach that includes second-chance hiring practices and partnerships with local nonprofits to offer comprehensive wraparound services.

He points out that the current challenging job market presents even greater hurdles for the one in three U.S. adults with a justice-involved past, who face additional barriers to employment. In honor of Fair Chance Month, Bedard is advocating for practices that help dismantle these obstacles, enabling formerly incarcerated individuals to secure work and rebuild their lives.

Overcoming Barriers and Transforming Lives

Despite the growing momentum for second-chance hiring, individuals with criminal records continue to face steep challenges, including a 50% chance of not even getting a second interview. Systemic issues like limited access to housing and transportation further exacerbate these barriers, making homelessness a more likely outcome for returning citizens. These obstacles, often stemming from a simple checked box on an application, deny individuals opportunities for employment and a chance to build a new future.

Bedard emphasizes that second-chance hiring can be customized to fit a company’s specific needs. At Frontier Co-op, the “Breaking Down Barriers to Employment” program offers support such as subsidized childcare, transportation assistance, apprenticeships, and skills training, alongside a new savings match initiative. This approach has significantly strengthened their hiring efforts, with over 25% of production hires in the past year coming from justice-involved backgrounds.

A Life-Changing Impact

Alisia Weaver, who began as an apprentice and is now a machine operator at Frontier Co-op, shared how second-chance hiring has transformed her life. Approaching her sixth anniversary with the company, she stated, “This experience has helped me advance in all aspects of my life. I have my own place, a vehicle, and daycare for my son. I’ve come forward to tell my story because I just want to encourage people and inspire them not to give up, no matter what setbacks they face.”

Weaver also encourages companies to consider adopting second-chance hiring practices, noting the potential benefits for both the business and the individuals seeking a fresh start. Bedard partners with organizations like the Responsible Business Initiative for Justice and the REFORM Alliance to foster a more inclusive workforce. He believes this approach not only helps employees rebuild their lives but also reshapes company culture, with staff often expressing pride in the company’s commitment to fair hiring. “By embracing candidates with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, we’ve seen how this approach strengthens the resilience of both our workforce and our business,” Bedard concluded.