Amazon Hire Felons: Giving Second Chances to Those Who Need It

Source: bing.com

Amazon is one of the largest and most successful companies in the world, with an estimated worth of over $1 trillion. As such, they have a responsibility to the community and the people in it. One way they are fulfilling that responsibility is by offering employment opportunities to those who have been incarcerated. In this article, we'll explore why Amazon hires felons and how this decision has affected both the company and those who have been given a second chance.

Why Does Amazon Hire Felons?

Source: bing.com

Amazon has made a conscious effort to hire individuals who have been previously incarcerated. This decision was made for several reasons:

• Reducing Recidivism: Studies show that employment is one of the most effective ways to reduce recidivism rates. By offering jobs to those who have been incarcerated, Amazon is helping to reduce the likelihood that those individuals will end up back in prison.
• Meeting Demand: Amazon is constantly expanding, and they need a large workforce to meet the demand. By hiring felons, they are able to fill open positions with qualified applicants who may have otherwise been overlooked.
• Corporate Responsibility: As mentioned earlier, Amazon has a responsibility to the community. Hiring felons is one way they can fulfill that responsibility by giving individuals a second chance at life.

What Are the Benefits of Hiring Felons?

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There are many benefits to hiring felons, both for the company and for the individuals themselves:

• Lower Turnover Rates: Studies show that employees who have been incarcerated have lower turnover rates than those who have not. This can save the company time and money on training and hiring new employees.
• Diverse Workforce: Hiring felons can bring a diverse range of experiences and perspectives to the workplace, which can lead to increased creativity and problem-solving.
• Increased Loyalty: Employees who have been given a second chance are often more loyal to their employer, as they are grateful for the opportunity. This can lead to increased productivity and a positive work environment.

What Are the Challenges of Hiring Felons?

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While there are many benefits to hiring felons, there are also challenges that must be addressed:

• Risk Management: Hiring individuals who have been incarcerated can pose a risk to the company, as they may have a criminal history that could potentially harm the company or its customers.
• Background Checks: Conducting thorough background checks is essential when hiring felons, but this can be a time-consuming and expensive process.
• Stigma: There is still a stigma attached to being a felon, and some employees may feel uncomfortable working alongside someone who has been incarcerated.

How Does Amazon Help Felons?

Source: bing.com

Amazon understands that many felons may have difficulty finding employment, especially in a competitive job market. To help these individuals succeed, they offer a variety of programs and resources, including:

• Job Training: Amazon offers job training programs to help felons gain the skills they need to succeed in the workplace.
• Mentorship: New employees are assigned a mentor who can provide guidance and support as they adjust to their new job.
• Flexible Scheduling: Many felons may have difficulty finding employment due to a lack of flexible scheduling. Amazon offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate a variety of needs.

What Are the Success Stories?

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There have been many success stories of felons who have been given a second chance at life thanks to Amazon. Here are just a few:

• Timothy Brown: Timothy Brown was incarcerated for 11 years before being hired by Amazon. He has since been promoted to a management position and is a mentor to other employees.
• Kevin Smith: Kevin Smith was incarcerated for 13 years before being hired by Amazon. He has since become one of the top-performing employees in his department.
• Rosie Rodriguez: Rosie Rodriguez was incarcerated for 10 years before being hired by Amazon. She has since been promoted to a management position and is responsible for training new employees.

Conclusion

Amazon's decision to hire felons has had a positive impact on both the company and the individuals who have been given a second chance. By offering employment opportunities and resources to those who have been previously incarcerated, Amazon is helping to reduce recidivism rates and create a more diverse and inclusive workforce. While there are challenges to hiring felons, the benefits far outweigh the risks.