Breaking Barriers: Fair Chance Employment for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals with Susan Mason

By Andy Storch | February 13, 2024

If you think about how desperately the energy sector needs jobs, but they're very heavily regulated...And so if you've got two or more convictions from years and years ago, you're automatically disqualified for life. And you could have been on the straight and narrow forever. And it's like, why would you punish somebody forever?

In an economy that strives for fairness and inclusivity, fair chance employment practices are not just a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage for organizations looking to tap into a diverse talent pool. Sourcing talent from formerly incarcerated individuals not only enriches the workforce with unique perspectives and experiences but also plays a crucial role in reducing recidivism and promoting societal stability.
Here's how your organization can break barriers and support fair chance employment:

Educate Your Leadership and Staff

Begin with workshops and training events that illuminate the biases and misconceptions about formerly incarcerated individuals. Guest speakers like Susan Mason provide firsthand insight into the talent and resilience of these individuals. By understanding their potential, you can foster a culture of compassion and inclusivity.

Review Hiring Policies

Examine your current hiring policies to identify any elements that may unintentionally discriminate against individuals with conviction histories. Collaborate with legal advisors to balance regulatory requirements with a commitment to fair chance employment.

Implement Inclusive Practices

Move from screening OUT to screening IN by focusing on the qualifications and potential contributions of all job candidates. Establish clear guidelines that align with the DEIB movement, ensuring your hiring practices are not only compliant but also supportive of diverse talent acquisition.

Promote Success Stories

Share success stories within your organization to highlight the positive impact of hiring formerly incarcerated individuals. Stories like Susan Mason's journey, from her challenges post-incarceration to founding a workforce development nonprofit, can inspire others and promote a fair chance culture.

Collaborate with Workforce Development Programs

Engage with nonprofits and community organizations that specialize in preparing formerly incarcerated individuals for the workforce. They offer valuable resources and can serve as a bridge to discovering untapped talent.

Change the Narrative

Invest in campaigns that challenge fear-based selling tactics of the background check industry and promote a more accurate, humanizing perspective of individuals with criminal histories.

Support Continued Growth

Beyond hiring, provide opportunities for career advancement and personal development for all employees, including those with conviction histories. Establish mentorship programs and career pathways that encourage long-term success.

Measure Impact and Refine Strategies

Track the performance and retention rates of employees hired through fair chance employment initiatives. Use these data points to continuously refine your strategies and showcase the value of inclusivity.
By embracing these steps, organizations can break down the barriers that prevent formerly incarcerated individuals from securing fair employment opportunities. This not only enriches the talent pool but also contributes to a more equitable and productive society.

Be sure to listen to the full episode on the Talent Development Think Tank Podcast!

Susan Mason is the Principal of Susan Mason Consulting, an agency focusing on the future of work, workforce development, and fair chance hiring initiatives for untapped talent. With a profound understanding of the lifetime economic impact of a conviction due to her own incarceration, she has dedicated her career to advancing opportunities for people with conviction histories (PWCH) and formerly incarcerated talent (FIT), emphasizing their inclusion in the workforce. Ms. Mason has become a sought-after subject matter expert on the collateral consequences of a conviction, making an impact on public, private and non-profit organizations across various sectors. Her innovative strategies and tools have been instrumental in driving meaningful change within organizations and society at large. Ms. Mason has consistently demonstrated her ability to conceptualize and execute groundbreaking ideas. She navigates complex challenges while consistently delivering measurable and sustainable value to her clients.

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Susan Mason
Susan Mason

Listen to the podcast episode here:

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About Andy Storch

Andy Storch is an author, consultant, coach, speaker and facilitator on a mission to get the most out of life and inspire others to do the same. He is the author of the book, Own Your Career Own Your Life, which is designed to help professionals stop drifting and take control of their futures. Andy is also the host of three podcasts, including The Talent Development Hot Seat; Own Your Career; and My NFT Journey. He is the co-founder and host of The Talent Development Think Tank Conference and Community as well as the host of the Talent Development Virtual Summit. Andy has consulted and taught strategy, sales, leadership, finance, and innovation to business leaders all over the world including companies like Salesforce.com, Oracle, Google, Toyota, State Farm, Red Bull, Deloitte, EY, KPMG, HP, Sony, Cisco, Tiffany & Co and others. Andy holds an MBA from the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business where he served as President of the MBA program and a BS from the University of Florida (Go Gators!) His purpose is to love and support his family and to impact the world by inspiring people to stop drifting, take control and live life with Intention. He is a husband and father of two kids and lives in Orlando, Florida, USA.