People with Criminal Records
Through the Getting Talent Back to Work initiative, SHRM Foundation partners with HR leaders to dismantle barriers in the hiring process and promote inclusive workplace practices that support the recruitment, retention, and advancement of individuals with criminal records.
Join us in building a fairer and stronger workforce.
Recruiting, Hiring and Retaining People with Criminal Records
Approximately 1-in-3 U.S. adults with criminal records bring resilience, determination, and a strong work ethic to the workplace. These are qualities forged by overcoming significant personal and systemic challenges. Most employers report that employees with criminal histories perform as well as or better than their peers, often demonstrating exceptional loyalty and motivation. Expanding employment opportunities for this community unlocks untapped potential that can drive long-term business success and economic impact.
66%
of employees would be proud to work for an organization that offered training, guidance, or mentorship to people with criminal records to help them return to work.
82%
of Americans said they would feel comfortable patronizing a business that is known to give those with a criminal record a chance.
77%
of HR professionals report that individuals with criminal records have higher promotional eligibility than other employees.
Unlocking Opportunity for People with Criminal Records
Millions of Americans carry criminal records that create lasting barriers to employment, despite their readiness to work. Research shows these individuals often prove resilient, reliable, and high-performing — and many employers report they meet or exceed expectations.
SHRM Foundation’s Getting Talent Back to Work initiative equips HR professionals and business leaders with tools, resources, and case studies to confidently recruit, hire, and retain this overlooked talent pool. By reducing barriers and embracing fair chance hiring, employers can build stronger teams, close labor gaps, and fuel economic growth.
Research
Getting Talent Back to Work
Results of a workplace survey on hiring and working with people with criminal records. It details employers' attitudes, practices, and outcomes related to hiring people with criminal records and presents data on performance, retention, and fair chance hiring strategies.
Published by SHRM
Resetting the Record: The Facts on Hiring People with Criminal Histories
This research report counters some prevailing myths about risks of reoffending and provides hiring managers, policymakers, and citizens facts that support better-informed hiring decisions.
Published by RAND Corporation
Research Supports Fair Chance Policies
This research summary compiles evidence demonstrating that removing barriers to employment for individuals with records benefits them, their families, communities of color, and society at large.
Published by National Employment Law Project
Resources & Tools
Getting Talent Back to Work Certificate
This free course helps HR professionals and people managers learn actionable strategies and tools to attract, hire, and retain justice impacted people.
Workplace Assessment
A self-guided diagnostic tool that enables HR leaders and hiring managers to evaluate their organization’s current fair‑chance hiring practices—guiding next steps to more intentionally recruit, onboard, and support talent with criminal records.
Getting Talent Back to Work Digital Toolkit
A comprehensive digital guide (PDF format) full of practical tools, checklists, Q&A, and compliance guidance designed to help employers confidently hire and support people with criminal records.
Second Chance Business Coalition
SHRM Foundation is a founding member of the Second Chance Business Coalition (SCBC). The SCBC empowers employers to expand talent pipelines by providing opportunities for individuals with criminal records, helping businesses strengthen their workforce while advancing equitable and inclusive hiring practices.
Getting Talent Back to Work: Employee Stories
Hear personal stories and SHRM perspective.
Getting Talent Back to Work: Employer and Community Perspectives
Learn about employer and community response.
Funders and Partners
