The Toledo region continues to experience rapid shifts in workforce demand, driven by growth in logistics, business, financial, and engineering occupations, and ongoing retirements across multiple sectors. According to the region’s Talent Alignment Strategy, the economy now generates over 20,000 annual job openings across all clusters. At the same time, many industries struggle to attract sufficient workers, particularly for entry-level technician and certificate-based roles, making access to talent a persistent challenge for companies striving to stay competitive. 
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Fair chance hiring (or second chance hiring) is a strategy that expands access to talent by evaluating candidates with criminal records based on their skills, experience, and readiness, rather than focusing on their past.
​Adopting this strategy is a strategic move that strengthens business performance and reduces hiring challenges resulting in:
Expanded Talent Pool
Ohio loses an estimated $3.4B annually in foregone wages when qualified individuals
with records can’t access jobs. (Policy Matters Ohio, 2018)
Increased Retention
​Individuals with criminal records demonstrate higher retention rates which reduces turnover costs. (SHRM: Getting Talent Back to Work)
Improved Performance
​85% of HR leaders state workers with criminal records perform the same as or better than their peers. (SHRM, 2021)

Ready To Get Started?

Your businesses can start implementing fair chance hiring today by taking these key steps:
  1. View and/or Download the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce Fair Chance Hiring Employer Guidebook
  2. Review and Update Policies - Ensure compliance with federal and state laws and add welcoming "fair chance language" to policies and job postings.
  3. Conduct Post-Offer Background Checks - Run background checks after a conditional job offer to evaluate candidates first on their qualifications, skills, and interview performance.
  4. Train Managers - Provide training on fair chance practices, implicit bias, and legal requirements for all hiring managers.
  5. Build Community Partnerships - Connect with organizations that serve re-entry populations.
Questions? Reach out to Lauryn Vargas, Workforce Initiatives Manager at 567.420.1226  or [email protected]