MIT Sloan Management Review Article on Unlocking the Potential of Justice-Impacted Talent

April has been designated Second Chance Month in the U.S. in recognition of the importance of supporting people’s successful reentry into society and the workforce after incarceration. Amid ongoing workforce shortages, the potential benefit of supporting these community members is more significant than ever.

As the U.S. economy recovers following the pandemic-induced recession, employers are scrambling to fill almost 10 million vacant jobs. At the same time, more than 70 million (1 in 3) American adults have some form of criminal record, which creates substantial — and often completely unreasonable — barriers to employment. Businesses large and small are increasingly looking to tap into the justice-impacted workforce to meet demand while becoming more inclusive. Following the murder of George Floyd in 2020, there has been an ongoing reckoning for the U.S. justice system, and there remains widespread opportunity to combat the vast inequity mass incarceration perpetuates. Helping people with records bridge successful pathways to meaningful work is a way to do both.

About the Author

Ben Cumming is chief communications officer at the Responsible Business Initiative for Justice. As part of the senior leadership team, he also helps to guide the nonprofit’s strategic direction, management, and growth. He sits on the board of trustees for the charities Youth Voice Trust and Action on Poverty and has been published in PRWeek, Real Leaders, and The Telegraph.

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