Pathway 1

Creating a Business Case Statement

When launching a Second Chance Hiring initiative, it’s essential to ground your efforts in a clear business case. While there are many noble and socially driven reasons to hire individuals with criminal records, companies should prioritize a practical, results-oriented rationale that focuses on return on investment (ROI). Hiring individuals with justice-involved backgrounds often leads to stronger loyalty, reduced turnover, and access to a wider pool of skilled, motivated workers. As the Vice President of Human Resources at Johns Hopkins Health System emphasized, “Don’t look at this as a social program, and don’t look at this as being altruistic. Look at it as a business decision… These are good, loyal, solid workers.”

A well-crafted business case can take many forms brief or detailed, data-heavy or narrative-driven but it should consistently highlight the value Second Chance employees bring to the organization. Numerous national organizations, including SHRM, McKinsey, Harvard Business Review, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, have published compelling research supporting these efforts. Resources such as sample business case statements and in-depth reports are readily available to help employers communicate the value of Second Chance Hiring to internal stakeholders, partners, and the broader community. With the right message, employers can inspire support, dispel myths, and build a sustainable foundation for inclusive hiring.

Corporate Policy