From Bars to Boardrooms: The Real ROI of Second-Chance Hiring

What if reducing turnover, boosting morale, and driving long-term loyalty wasn’t about changing your compensation package—but your hiring lens?  That’s exactly what we see happening when businesses open their doors to second-chance candidates—individuals who’ve been system-impacted, trafficked, fostered, or left behind. At Rise, we help companies rethink what ROI looks like—and why it might be hiding in plain sight.

Second-Chance Hiring Isn’t Just Charity—It’s a Strategy

Some of the most forward-thinking organizations are discovering that purpose-aligned hiring has real, measurable impact. And they’re not alone. Study after study shows that second-chance employees:

• Have higher retention rates

• Are more engaged in their work

• Are less likely to “job hop”

• Create strong team culture and morale

Why? Because they’ve fought to get here. And they don’t take opportunity for granted.

What It Costs to Ignore This Pipeline

Let’s talk numbers.

High turnover costs businesses billions every year. For entry-level roles alone, replacing one employee can cost anywhere from 30-50% of that employee’s annual salary. That adds up quickly.

Now compare that to what Rise offers:

•  Pre-vetted candidates

•  Community-based support

•  Reduced onboarding risk

•  A values-driven hiring model with wraparound support

Suddenly, it’s not just the right thing to do—it’s the smart thing to do.

When You Hire with Purpose, Everybody Wins

Second-chance hiring transforms more than just resumes—it transforms businesses. It brings diversity of perspective, reinforces a culture of empathy, and sends a clear signal to your clients and customers: you care about impact.

And in today’s marketplace, impact matters.

Ready to explore how second-chance hiring can create ROI for your business?

-Jonathan