Convicted criminals who have paid their debt to society often continue to pay for the sins long after their sentence has ended. One area of life where a past criminal conviction can affect a person is in the field of employment. A criminal conviction can make it tough for a person to get an interview, let alone get a job. Once employers conduct background checks, this could be the reason as to why individuals are offered the position or not. But a new study suggests that former criminals may actually be more productive and better employees than your average employee.
Researchers from Harvard University and the University of Massachusetts Amherst tracked roughly 1.3 million individuals who enlisted in the military between 2002 and 2009. Of those who enlisted, 5,000 had a prior felony conviction, and while that is an automatic disqualifier, applicants can request a “moral character waiver.” This waiver allows them to enlist so long as they are cleared during what’s known as a “whole person” character evaluation and review.
When looking at enlistees who entered the military after a whole-person review compared to non-felon enlistees, researchers uncovered some interesting findings:
- Whole person enlistees were no more likely to be discharged for the negative reasons employers often assume, such as poor behavior or unsatisfactory work.
- Individuals with felony-like criminal backgrounds were promoted more quickly and to higher ranks than average enlistees.
Another study confirmed some of the findings published in the Harvard study. The second study found that individuals with criminal records are 1 to 1.5 percent more productive than employees without records. It may not sound like much, but on a national scale, that percent can make up tens of millions of dollars in losses and gains.
Why Are Former Felons More Productive?
There haven’t been any subsequent studies that have uncovered why former felons may be more productive workers, but authors of the military study have a theory. They believe that because individuals with criminal convictions may be used to having opportunities denied, they are willing to go the extra mile for an employer who gives them a chance to prove their worth. Some former felons looking to start their new life may have their hearts set on forming their own businesses; felons can get grants to do this but it’s probably a good idea for them to do their research online so they know precisely how to access them.
“[Employers] may be losing out by just banning ex-felons altogether who turn out to be pretty good employees when given that chance-and when properly screened,” said study co-author Jennifer Lundquist. “[Former convicts may have] more loyalty to an employer who hires [them] and gives [them] a second chance.”
The idea of giving former convicts a chance to prove their worth is not new. In fact, President Obama recently stated that while it’s important to learn about a person’s criminal past, we shouldn’t reduce them to what appears under the “past convictions” section of an application.
With that said, it’s always highly advised to use an internal applicant tracking system and carrying out the correct checks. Utilise software such as Justworks (read Justworks reviews here), or Paychex to facilitate with this process.
“It is relevant to find out whether somebody has a criminal record. We’re not suggesting ignore it,” Obama said. “What we are suggesting is that when it comes to the application, give folks a chance to get through the door. Give them a chance to get in there so they can make their case.”
