Hiring those with criminal records can play a big role in helping them reintegrate into society while also addressing labor shortages in hospitality, according to research from Penn State’s School of Hospitality Management. The researchers designed a framework to guide hospitality businesses in breaking down biases against hiring these individuals.

Three key stakeholder groups emerged from their analysis: the employees themselves, those within the correctional system who oversee rehabilitation, and community partners that support re-entry. “It’s about understanding the challenges justice-impacted employees face,” the researchers said, “and helping managers think about practical ways to support their reintegration, from financial assistance to emotional support.”

Crucial support

Community-based partners are crucial here, providing resources like transportation and housing, which help reduce barriers to work. They can also connect justice-impacted individuals with healthcare, social services, and recovery resources. Some partners offer skill-building or job training to prepare them for stable employment.

According to the researchers, inclusive leadership is essential to welcoming these employees. Companies that create employee resource groups or offer coaching ease the transition and help individuals feel accepted.

“Inclusive leadership means being self-aware and recognizing that employees come with different perspectives,” they noted. “Managers must be mindful of how their own biases may affect interactions.”

Practical support

Managers can also accommodate practical needs, such as adjusting work schedules to fit around bus timetables or curfews. The researchers suggest we may be seeing a shift towards second-chance hiring, driven partly by tight labor conditions, particularly in hospitality where vacancies are common.

The hospitality industry’s dual labor market—comprising both short-term early-career employees and long-term professionals—creates high turnover in entry-level roles. This, combined with low wages, means employees often job-hop for better pay, leaving numerous roles open to justice-impacted individuals.

“When leadership, investors, and owners say ‘come in, you’re welcome here,’ it can mean the world to people in vulnerable situations,” the researchers conclude. “Providing this opportunity helps reduce recidivism, as finding work and adjusting to life outside prison are major barriers for justice-impacted individuals.”