5 Reasons You Need To Do an Employee Background Check
As a business owner, you know that protecting your company is priority number one. So, when hiring a new employee, it’s important to do your due diligence and perform background checks on each one of them. It helps to ensure that the person you’re hiring is who they say they are, and it can also help to identify any red flags that may indicate that the person is not suited for the job.
Here are five reasons why you should do an employee background check:
1. To Ensure Compliance with State and Federal Laws
There are several laws at the state and federal levels that require employers to perform employee background checks. These laws exist to protect both the employer and the employee, and failure to comply with them can result in hefty fines. State and federal laws vary, but some common examples include:
- The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
- The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)
Check with your attorney or HR department to ensure you comply with all relevant laws. Keep in mind that there are different ways to get a background check on an employee, so it’s important to choose the method that best meets your needs. A few of the most common methods include:
- Online databases: Various online services offer background checks for a fee. The FCRA requires employers to get written consent from the employee before running a check, so ensure you’re only using reputable services.
- Social media: Social media can be a great way to get information on an employee, but it’s important to use it carefully. In some cases, using social media to screen employees may be considered illegal.
- Commercial background check services: These are similar to online databases, but they often offer more comprehensive reports.
- Local police department: In some cases, you may be able to request a criminal background check from your local police department. This is usually only possible if the position requires working with vulnerable populations, such as children or the elderly.
2. To Assess Potential Risks
When hiring a new employee, you want to ensure that they pose as little risk to your company as possible. A background check can help to identify any potential risks that an employee may pose, such as a history of violence or theft. This will help you make an informed decision about whether or not to hire the employee.
In addition to assessing criminal history, also assess an employee’s financial history to identify any potential red flags, such as a history of bankruptcies or foreclosures. Financial problems can often lead to theft or fraud, so be sure that your employees are financially stable.
3. To Avoid Negligent Hiring Claims
Negligent hiring claims can be costly and often arise when an employee causes harm to another person while on the job. To avoid these claims, employers need to take reasonable steps to ensure that their employees are safe and qualified for the job. Background checks are one of the best ways to do this.
4. To Screen for Criminal Histories
Criminal histories are one of the most important things to screen for when doing a background check. This is because a criminal history can indicate that an employee is not suited for the job and can pose a risk to your company. When screening for criminal histories, remember that not all crimes are created equal.
For example, a minor traffic offense is not likely to be a deal-breaker, but a violent crime may be. So, it’s important to assess each case individually. In general, you should avoid hiring employees with any type of criminal history.
5. To Verify Information on Resumes and Applications
Finally, you can use background checks to verify an employee’s information on their resume or application. This ensures the employee is being honest about their qualifications and experience. It’s also a good way to catch any potential red flags, such as discrepancies in employment history.
Overall, background checks are an important part of the hiring process. They help to ensure that you’re hiring safe and qualified employees. If you’re not already doing background checks, start incorporating them into your hiring process.
About the Author
Wendy Dessler, Outreach Manager, altitudebranding.com
Wendy Dessler is a super-connector who helps businesses find their audience online through outreach, partnerships, and networking. She frequently writes about the latest advancements in digital marketing and focuses her efforts on developing customized blogger outreach plans depending on the industry and competition.