When it comes to pre-employment background screenings, is it possible to have both?
If you’re like most companies, you’re feeling the pinch of more work than workers. Labor shortages are abounding across all industries, causing stiff competition for workers. Unfilled jobs make it harder to rebound from the pandemic, but safeguarding corporate resources and culture is no less important. The effects of poor hiring decisions are consequential, even more so for organizations that might already be limping along. In light of this truth, let’s take a look at how working with an experienced background check provider help organizations achieve the speed and agility they need for quick hiring decisions without cutting corners on important safety measures such as drug tests, background checks, and other screenings.
Nothing is slower or more inefficient than trying to do a DIY background check. Not only are the results unreliable and incomplete, but the process of doing multiple manual checks across a variety of platforms is tedious and time-consuming. Doing your own background checks often means relying on court runners and other manuals, people-centric processes to get the information you need. People-centric processes are inherently unreliable. For example, how easy was it to get criminal records info from a court runner during the pandemic? Professional background check companies have dedicated teams and digital resources that can cut background check times considerably, making the process faster and more reliable at the same time.
Compliance is a complicated issue. Multiple evolving state, local, and federal guidelines around background checks guarantee that the process will be full of pitfalls and that the goalposts will constantly be moving. Consider the following examples of emerging issues that are still very much in flux:
● Changing marijuana laws around the country and their effect on drug testing
● COVID health and safety regulations
● “Ban the Box” laws and other anti-discrimination measures
These and other similar issues are challenging for organizations to stay on top of. Experienced background screeners manage the complexities of compliance for you. They’ll help you meet industry requirements and offer valuable perspectives for best practices in your industry. You’ll get speedy results, carefully vetted candidates, and peace of mind knowing you’re fully compliant on all fronts.
Skipping screenings is the fastest option, but puts your organization at risk for non-compliance and for introducing the wrong people to key aspects of your business. Working with an experienced background check provider gives you both speed and safety. With the help of skills, knowledge, and technology, background check vendors provide clients with reliable screens at a pace that allows them to be competitive.