A key initiative Ratliff actively supports is Kelly’s Equity@Work platform, which is aimed at removing barriers that make it hard for people to attain enriching work. “Don’t job seekers with non-violent, non-relevant criminal histories deserve a second chance to play a contributing role in the workplace?” he reasons.

Ratliff spearheaded Kelly’s collaboration with an automotive manufacturing client to provide job seekers with non-violent criminal histories, who had previously been disqualified from consideration, the opportunity for employment. He coordinated a program to hire qualified candidates with misdemeanors and felonies in areas unrelated to their job duties. The program increased the client’s talent pool, improved retention rates and continues to be a huge success. Second chance hiring has since become an integral part of Kelly’s Equity@Work initiative, and the company is in the process of introducing similar efforts to other clients across the business.

Ratliff also serves on the Kelly Inclusion Council, which provides a platform for employees to shape processes, programs and initiatives to be more inclusive.