Employee background checking is not a recent trend, but it has increased in importance only in the last few years. Large companies already have strong employee background checking policies in place, but smaller employers and growing businesses tend to overlook such checks completely. The fact is that background checking is a critical part of any modern hiring process. After you get the necessary information about job applicants and shortlist them during the interview, the next step should ideally be a background check.
Why are background checks necessary?
Such checks are needed for the simple reason that a lot of people misrepresent their credentials and professional background just to get a job. Unfortunately, many companies, especially small and growing ones, do not do any checking because they feel it is a strain on their limited resources and budget. They often end up regretting not doing a check because the applicant turns out to be unqualified for the job, has past experiences that cause problems in your office later on, or has a personality trait that makes it difficult to manage them.
A background check is especially important for any small company that plans to grow rapidly. The process of growth often involves a great scope of responsibilities for every employee, so it is important to know that your next employee is capable of taking them on without being negligent. An employee who snaps and ends up harming another employee or customer could not only damage your reputation but also make you liable to a lawsuit that will ultimately take more resources than a preventative background check.
You can be sued for not knowing about the ineligibility of an employee or for failing to take subsequent corrective action like training, discharge, or reassignment to rectify the issue. Keep in mind that a growing company has to deal with greater contact with customers and the general public. Therefore, as a responsible owner you should familiarize and protect your company from the dangers of negligent hiring.
Background checking can save time, effort, and money- not reduce it
The biggest argument that small and growing businesses give against regular employee background checking is that it gobbles up the company’s time, effort, and money. The truth, however, is the exact opposite. Background checks can keep away problematic and unproductive workers who have had such negative reports in their professional past. In the long run, the loss of productivity and the damage they cause will be a lot more costly than a background check would be.
Such checks prevent disruptions in the workplace because of problem workers as well as the financial issues and liabilities caused by them. A lot of companies want to hire an employee quickly, but in their hurry they forget that the lack of proper background checks may cause serious issues that cost them a lot.
So if you are planning to hire new employees for your growing workforce, check the background of applicants so that you make smart hiring decisions.
Brad is a guest blogger interested in writing business articles. He has written hundreds of articles in business and carrier categories.
