Employee background check is a key business tool every organization must deploy and optimized as access control. Hiring the right candidate for a position is critical for success of any business. Employee background check is a conscious activity to prove or disprove claims made by applicant seeking job opportunity in an organization. It is a verification exercise to know the veracity of information provided about an individual.
Honest, discipline and good candidates abound in the labor market however, in their midst are also dishonest, dirty, criminal and evil-minded candidates who always disguise as good fit seeking job opportunity. The conduct of a criminal minded and unfit employee (s) can put an organization out of business in one fell swoop.
In a modern world characterized by shrinking employment opportunities, it is expected that available jobs will attract many applicants, who out of desperation will be willing to give misleading information or withhold material facts about themselves. Due diligence demands that organizations must consciously screen candidates through different lens before opening their doors. While other skillset remain import for success in the job, integrity stands out as key trait to seek during hire. Employee background check is the tool.
Key security concerns include:
- Resume fraud
- Workplace violence
- Workplace fraud & theft
- Drug & alcoholic abuse
- Insider threats
The sensitivity of job position should determine the scope and the depth of background check. However, such check must include some of these essentials:
- Residences
- Criminal profile
- Education and certificates
- Present or previous workplace
- References & guarantors
- Credit history
- Medical history
- Affiliations
Benefits of employee background check to your business:
Enables KYE: know your employee can only be made possible by background check. Some business may take informed decision and take a chance to hire someone with questionable background. Such employee will be on close watchlist of the organization.
Guarantees safety & security: rigorous background check will provide assurance that a criminal, irrational or dangerous person was not hired. Safety and security of workplace begins with having good and honest people.
Compliance to regulation: employee background check in some areas may be a strict requirement by a regulatory authority. To avoid sanctions or business disruption, it must be done.
Prevents negligence hiring: in event of negative actions of an on-duty employee which result to legal reaction; proven employee background check may weaken negligent hire argument against the organization.
Reduce employee turnover: the rate of employee turnover will likely be low if your organization have sound background check practice. Reason is, more honest and less dangerous people will be employed. This in turn will decrease chances for employment terminations or dismissals.
Increases revenue: it cost money to hire and to fire employee. When organization’s personnel turnover is low, revenue will increase because the business budget for hire and fire is not draining. Furthermore, there will be less disruption in routine operation of the business.
Promotes informed decision: when an organization decide to employee a candidate with questionable character; perhaps for technical reasons, it is an informed decision. Such action should be backed up with other countermeasures.
Promotes healthy workplace: a workplace full of honest and good people will be healthy and less toxic. Such community will be characterized by trust, confidence, peace and mutual growth.
Improves reputation: a workplace full of honest and good people will attract trust and confidence from customers/clients. Customers’ trust builds reputation and increases revenue for the business.
Discourages dishonesty and encourages honesty: an organization with sound background check practice will discourage criminals and dangerous persons from applying to their jobs. In the same vein, honest and good persons will be encouraged to apply for the jobs. Society will grow better with more honest people.
In conclusion: employee background check has significant benefits for any organization that truly practice it. The return on investment is high. Prominently, it shuts the gate against criminals and dangerous persons and it increases revenues for the business.
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