Tech Jobs and Reentry: What Employers Get Wrong

Unlocking New Horizons: Navigating New Opportunities in Retail Tech for Justice-Impacted Individuals

One of the most important factors in a successful second chance after incarceration is  having gainful employment. The problem is that the U.S. criminal justice system disproportionately impacts historically marginalized communities , whose members often end up in low-pay, low-security jobs after release. We set out to find what actually works in hiring formerly incarcerated tech workers.

What Employers Say About Hiring Formerly Incarcerated Workers

Our research incorporated surveys, focus groups, and interviews both with formerly incarcerated persons and major corporations. We found that most business leaders already see that formerly incarcerated tech workers perform the same or better than other employees, often bringing unique perspectives and demonstrating strong loyalty to those who provide them with that fair second chance.

Where the Reentry Hiring Pipeline Still Fails

Despite those positive findings, we also learned that there are still many steps that can be taken to improve reentry employment outcomes. When companies provide the right entry level opportunities in tech for justice-impacted job seekers and pair them with upskilling programs and trauma-informed practices, we can break the cycle of incarceration and foster a more inclusive and productive workforce.