Does Adecco do background checks?

Yes. Adecco runs a standard background check on all candidates, typically covering 7 years of criminal history. Client companies may also run their own separate checks. A conviction does not automatically disqualify you — Adecco uses an individualized assessment process.

How fast can Adecco place me in a job?

Many people are placed within 1-2 weeks of registering with Adecco. General labor and warehouse positions have the fastest turnaround. In some cases, same-week or next-day placements are available for urgent client needs.

Is Adecco the same as Akkodis?

Akkodis is a separate brand within the Adecco Group that focuses on IT, engineering, and technology placements. The core Adecco brand handles light industrial, warehouse, manufacturing, and administrative staffing. Both are part of the same parent company but serve different market segments.

Does Adecco drug test?

Drug testing depends on the specific assignment and client requirements. Many warehouse and manufacturing placements require pre-assignment drug screening. Your recruiter will inform you of the requirements before you accept any assignment.

Can Adecco help me get a permanent job?

Yes. Adecco offers temp-to-hire placements where you start as a temporary worker and can convert to a permanent employee at the client company after a trial period (typically 60-90 days). They also offer direct-hire placements where you are recruited for a permanent position from the start.

Does Adecco offer benefits?

Yes. Adecco offers benefits to eligible temporary employees, which may include health insurance, dental and vision coverage, a 401(k) plan, paid holidays, and referral bonuses. Eligibility and specific benefits vary by location and hours worked.

Does Adecco Hire Felons?

Last updated: 2026-03-24

Yes

Adecco is the world's largest staffing firm and regularly places people with felony records in warehouse, manufacturing, and light industrial roles. Their massive client base means more second-chance opportunities.

Yes, Adecco hires people with felony records for many of the positions they staff. As a division of the Adecco Group (now rebranded as The Adecco Group / Akkodis parent), Adecco is the world's largest staffing company with operations in over 60 countries and tens of thousands of client relationships in the US alone. This enormous scale means Adecco has access to a wide range of employers, many of whom are willing to hire people with criminal backgrounds. Adecco conducts background checks but uses an individualized assessment rather than an automatic disqualification policy. Their recruiters can direct you toward client companies that practice second-chance hiring. Warehouse, manufacturing, food production, and general labor placements are the most accessible for people with records, though office and professional roles may also be available depending on your conviction history.

Hiring by Position

Position	Felon Friendly?	Background Check	Notes
Warehouse / Distribution	Yes	Yes — Adecco check, client may add their own	Highest volume of openings. Picking, packing, shipping, and receiving roles. Forklift operators are in high demand.
Manufacturing / Production	Yes	Yes — standard 7-year check	Assembly, machine operation, quality inspection. Many manufacturing clients actively seek second-chance workers.
Food Production / Processing	Yes	Yes — may include food safety certification	Food processing plants are among the most felon-friendly workplaces. High turnover means constant openings.
General Labor / Janitorial	Yes	Yes — basic background check	Cleaning, maintenance, landscaping support. Often available for same-week placement.
Administrative / Office	Case-by-case	Yes — may include credit check for financial roles	Data entry and general office roles are more accessible. Finance and legal office positions are more restrictive.
IT / Technical (via Akkodis / Modis)	Case-by-case	Yes — comprehensive check including credential verification	Professional IT placements through Adecco Group's tech staffing division. More restrictive but possible with older, non-financial convictions.
Temp-to-Hire Positions	Yes	Yes — Adecco check, then client check upon conversion	The strongest path to permanent employment. Prove yourself during the temporary period.

Why Adecco's Scale Matters for People with Records

Adecco's position as the world's largest staffing company is not just a corporate statistic — it has real implications for people with criminal records seeking employment. With tens of thousands of client companies across virtually every industry, Adecco has more placement options than any single employer can offer. When one client's background check requirements rule you out, Adecco's recruiters can pivot to another client that is more flexible. This volume and variety is the core advantage of working with a large staffing agency. Adecco places approximately 700,000 workers every day globally, and a meaningful percentage of those workers have criminal backgrounds. The company has publicly committed to inclusive hiring practices and works with workforce development organizations to connect underrepresented populations — including people with records — to employment opportunities.

Adecco's Background Check Process

Adecco runs a background check on all candidates, typically through a third-party screening provider. The standard check covers 7 years of criminal history through county and state databases, a Social Security number trace, and a sex offender registry search. Depending on the role and client requirements, additional checks may include drug screening, education verification, or Motor Vehicle Records. Adecco's background check is separate from any screening the client company may conduct. Some clients accept Adecco's check as sufficient, while others run their own. Your Adecco recruiter can tell you what each assignment requires before you accept it. If your check reveals a conviction, Adecco assesses it individually — considering the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and relevance to the position. This is consistent with EEOC guidance on the use of criminal records in employment decisions.

The Staffing Agency Advantage: Two Background Checks Explained

A critical concept for people with records to understand is the dual-layer background check system in staffing. When you work through Adecco, there may be two separate background checks: one by Adecco when you join their talent pool, and another by the client company when you are placed at their worksite or when converting from temp to permanent. Adecco's initial check is often more lenient because they are assessing you for their general talent pool, not for a specific security-sensitive role. The client's check may be more or less strict depending on their industry and internal policies. The good news is that your Adecco recruiter knows the client's requirements upfront and will not send you to a placement where your record will be a problem. This pre-screening saves you the frustration of applying blindly and being rejected after a background check.

How to Maximize Your Success with Adecco

Start by visiting an Adecco branch office or applying online at adecco.com. When you connect with a recruiter, disclose your criminal record upfront. This is not about being apologetic — it is about being strategic. Your recruiter needs to know your situation to place you effectively. Ask about felon-friendly clients, temp-to-hire positions, and any current partnerships with reentry organizations. Bring documentation of any rehabilitation efforts: certificates of completion, letters from parole officers, character references. These demonstrate initiative and help your recruiter advocate for you with clients. Be flexible on shift times and locations — night shifts and suburban locations often have less competition. Accept short-term assignments to build your track record within Adecco's system. Consistent positive feedback from clients improves your standing and opens up better assignments over time.

Adecco Group's Other Brands

The Adecco Group operates several staffing brands beyond the main Adecco name. Akkodis (formerly Modis) focuses on IT and engineering placements. LHH (formerly Lee Hecht Harrison) provides career transition and outplacement services. Pontoon handles managed workforce solutions. While these specialized brands may have different requirements, your Adecco recruiter may be able to refer you to opportunities across the broader group. For most people with records, the core Adecco brand (light industrial, warehouse, manufacturing, and administrative) will offer the most accessible opportunities, but knowing about these other brands is useful as you build your career.

Application Tips for People with Records

1.Apply online at adecco.com or visit a branch in person. Walk-ins are accepted at most locations during business hours.
2.Be upfront about your criminal record with your recruiter. They cannot help you effectively without this information.
3.Target warehouse, manufacturing, and food production assignments first — these have the most felon-friendly clients.
4.Ask about temp-to-hire assignments specifically. These let you prove your work ethic before a permanent hiring decision is made.
5.Bring all your documents: two forms of ID, Social Security card, and any certifications (forklift, OSHA, food handler).
6.Register with multiple staffing agencies at the same time — Adecco, Manpower, Kelly Services, Express Employment, and Labor Finders.
7.Be available for night shifts and weekend work. These less-desirable shifts have less competition and get you working faster.
8.Keep a reliable phone number and check voicemail regularly. Assignments fill quickly and the first available candidate gets the call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Adecco hire felons?: Yes. Adecco is one of the most felon-friendly staffing agencies in the world. They place workers with criminal records in warehouse, manufacturing, food production, and general labor roles. Specific placements depend on your conviction history and client company requirements, but Adecco's massive client base means there are usually options available.
Does Adecco do background checks?: Yes. Adecco runs a standard background check on all candidates, typically covering 7 years of criminal history. Client companies may also run their own separate checks. A conviction does not automatically disqualify you — Adecco uses an individualized assessment process.
How fast can Adecco place me in a job?: Many people are placed within 1-2 weeks of registering with Adecco. General labor and warehouse positions have the fastest turnaround. In some cases, same-week or next-day placements are available for urgent client needs.
Is Adecco the same as Akkodis?: Akkodis is a separate brand within the Adecco Group that focuses on IT, engineering, and technology placements. The core Adecco brand handles light industrial, warehouse, manufacturing, and administrative staffing. Both are part of the same parent company but serve different market segments.
Does Adecco drug test?: Drug testing depends on the specific assignment and client requirements. Many warehouse and manufacturing placements require pre-assignment drug screening. Your recruiter will inform you of the requirements before you accept any assignment.
Can Adecco help me get a permanent job?: Yes. Adecco offers temp-to-hire placements where you start as a temporary worker and can convert to a permanent employee at the client company after a trial period (typically 60-90 days). They also offer direct-hire placements where you are recruited for a permanent position from the start.
Does Adecco offer benefits?: Yes. Adecco offers benefits to eligible temporary employees, which may include health insurance, dental and vision coverage, a 401(k) plan, paid holidays, and referral bonuses. Eligibility and specific benefits vary by location and hours worked.

Take Action — Direct Links

Adecco — Find Jobs
Search Adecco job openings by location and category. Apply online or find your nearest branch.
Adecco — Branch Locator
Find your nearest Adecco office for in-person registration and recruiter meetings.
National HIRE Network
Free resources for people with criminal records seeking employment, including job search tools and legal guides.
Careeronestop — Reentry Resources
US Department of Labor resource for people with criminal records seeking employment.

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Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Company hiring policies change frequently and may vary by location, franchise, or position. Always confirm the current policy with the hiring manager or HR representative. A background check does not automatically disqualify you — you have rights under the EEOC guidelines and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).