See What's Trending In The Background Check Industry
What are the Less Obvious Reasons to Conduct Employee Background Checks?
Background checks have become an increasingly common part of the hiring process for many companies and organizations today. One survey showed that 93% of all surveyed companies across the globe carried out some type of employment background check. More specifically, 94% of companies with US locations carried out criminal background checks, while 75% conducted non-criminal background checks.
When it comes to discussing the importance of employee background checks, people often talk about well-known reasons, such as preventing theft, breaches of privacy, and checking driving records. However, a deeper exploration into the subject unveils numerous additional reasons that are sometimes overshadowed by the more obvious ones.
Maintaining workplace culture and harmony: One aspect often overlooked is the maintenance and fostering of a harmonious workplace culture. Companies spend years cultivating an environment that boosts productivity and employee satisfaction. Hiring an individual whose values and attitudes clash with the company's ethos can potentially disrupt this harmony. Background checks can provide insight into an individual’s history, helping identify any red flags that may indicate a potential misalignment with the company culture. Discrepancies in work styles and ethics can also lead to discord, affecting productivity and employee morale. Additionally, hiring the wrong person can lead to high turnover rates due to other employees leaving, which can be expensive and time-consuming.
Upholding reputation: Your employees are the public face of your company. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the individuals representing your organization have a history that aligns with your corporate values. Conducting background checks can help avoid potential public relations disasters that can occur if an employee's past actions clash with your company's ethos.
Legal compliance and due diligence: Different industries and jurisdictions may have varying legal requirements for employee hiring. Background checks can uncover whether a candidate meets the required criteria for a position, thus ensuring compliance with laws and preventing potential legal repercussions. In an age where embellishing resumes is not uncommon, background checks help confirm that a candidate's qualifications and experience are genuine. In some cases, people will even lie about their identity, making identity verification a crucial step. Additionally, certain industries are required by law to conduct background checks on potential employees. This is particularly prevalent in sectors like healthcare, finance, and education. Neglecting this could result in legal repercussions and hefty fines.
Mitigating legal and financial risks: Employee background checks are essential to mitigating the risk of a lawsuit. If an employee harms someone and it is found that the hiring process was negligent, the company could face legal repercussions. This can happen if it is proven that a more thorough background check could have identified a propensity for such behavior. By thoroughly checking an individual's past, companies can reduce the risk of hiring someone with a history of irresponsible or harmful behavior.
Workplace safety and security: Employee background checks are indispensable in ensuring workplace safety. By scrutinizing an applicant's history, employers can identify any instances of violent behavior or harassment. This type of thorough vetting is integral in creating a secure atmosphere where employees can work without fear of physical or emotional harm.
ISB Global Services Offerings
In an era of complexities, employee background checks stand out as an assurance that your new hire is the right fit, both in skills and ethos. With its robust and comprehensive screening solutions, ISB Global Services serves as your trusted ally in this endeavor. By entrusting ISB’s background verification services, businesses can ensure that they are making informed hiring decisions, safeguarding their reputation, and fostering a thriving workplace culture.
