Fair Hiring Proves To Be Good For Business

Eighty-seven percent of employers will turn down job applicants that have a criminal record. Yet one cleaning company found that providing jobs to people with barriers to employment has actually proven to be good for business.

CleanCraft, a janitorial service company in upstate New York, employs roughly 40 workers who showed something in their background checks that would give other employers pause. But bringing them on has been a win-win for both parties.

According to Fast Company reporting, the CleanCraft owner has found these individuals to be hardworking and dedicated — aware that options are slim and grateful to have found a place to belong.

Hiring processes still include the usual screening — background checks and drug tests — but management also takes a more holistic view when deciding to offer someone a job. They prioritize an individuals’ work experience, personality, and how well it seems they’d fit with the team and meet the demands of employment.

The shift in thinking has paid dividends for the workers as well as for the company.

Although some managers might still pause before adopting similar hiring practices, the shift in thinking is gaining momentum. Fast Company shares the story of Greyston Bakery, a company that hires every person that applies (on a first-come, first-serve basis based on openings), no questions asked.

Greyston's program is quite advanced, but other large companies are dabbling in the idea of fair hiring. Initiatives are already in place for large companies such as Unilever, Ben & Jerry's and 13 others.

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