Why Second-Chance Hiring Benefits Society

When businesses provide opportunities to those seeking another chance to turn around their lives, the benefits are mutually felt. That’s the message from John Buckley, Koch Industries’ director of outreach in a new Washington Examiner op-ed.

That sentiment has been part of Koch’s hiring philosophy for years, from banning the box asking about criminal history on applications to partnering with other organizations to recruit overlooked talent. For example, John writes, between January and April 2021, Koch made 1,400 job offers to people whose past run-ins with law enforcement appeared on their background checks.

Koch is not alone in this respect, he writes, noting efforts from the likes of Dave’s Killer Bread and the Second Chance Business Coalition, of which Koch is a member.

“Corporate leaders who seek to partner with their communities should consider joining us. This mission expands the talent pool available to employers and contributes to the dignity of our fellow citizens, helping men and women rebuild a future they once lost. It is a win-win for industry and society,” he writes.

Learn more about the impact of Koch’s second-chance hiring efforts.

Read the full op-ed here.