Common Misconceptions About Workers With Criminal Records

You ran into trouble with the law several years ago and ended up being convicted of criminal wrongdoing in court. You have no interest in engaging in criminal activity ever again and consider this aspect of your past to be a learning experience, not evidence of your character.

While your intention has been to get on with your life and set a positive example for your loved ones, this can be easier said than done when you have a criminal record. People with a record are frequently stereotyped and can face significant barriers, particularly in the fields of housing and employment.

It’s important to take an impartial approach to such matters and evaluate the facts concerning workers with criminal records. A good place to start is by understanding some of the more common misconceptions about workers with criminal records.

Workers with criminal records will not perform

One common misconception about workers with criminal records is that they will not be as valuable to the team and will underperform in their role. Nonetheless, research conducted by Portland State University in 2015 contradicts these beliefs. Researchers found that workers with records actually performed better in the areas of attendance, adhering to company policies and overall conduct in the workplace.

Hiring workers with records costs more

It costs a considerable amount to employ and train staff members. Some employers are under the impression that taking on someone with a criminal record will end up costing them even more. However, this is not necessarily the case. In Texas, employers who hire people considered to be at a disadvantage could be eligible for a tax credit of up to $2400.

Understanding these misconceptions can help you to educate those around you who may be hesitant to employ individuals – like yourself – who have criminal records. With that said, if you are in a position to expunge your criminal record, seeking legal guidance to that effect could be to your advantage. Unfortunately, employers are too often more concerned about perception than fact.