A background check is an important step to take when you’re looking for new employees. It’s not just about finding out if they have a criminal record or any red flags that might disqualify them from being hired, but it’s also about seeing if they will be a good fit for the position. But what are some of the main reasons you must perform a criminal record check before you begin the hiring process?
6 Reasons Why It’s Important To Always Do A Background Check Before Hiring Someone
What Are The Benefits Of Pre-employment Background Checks?
Background checks on employees can give employers peace of mind. By conducting background checks, employers can determine whether an applicant has an unsavory history and ensure that their past will not interfere with their future performance. This gives employers a way to make sure that they hire qualified people who will fit the company culture.
Utilizing tools like the Hi People’s Screening Toolkit can streamline and enhance the background check process, ensuring that your hiring decisions are well-informed and contribute to a safer and more productive workplace.
The idea of background checks is not new to many employers, but it has been around for a few decades now, and it has only seemed to grow in popularity as time goes on. Background screening is becoming increasingly important as companies try to find qualified individuals who are free from risk.
Additionally, background checks can protect employers and employees. The employees are checked to ensure that they are not security risks and are capable of performing effectively. It can prevent you from employing someone with a criminal record or a negative past that could threaten the success of your business. Some sectors of employment even require some form of background check by law.
Are All Checks The Same?
Not entirely. While the aim of a background check is somewhat similar worldwide, i.e., to find out about a candidate’s history, the information they provide can differ between countries.
For example, in the UK, background checks are performed by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The background-checking specialists at dbschecks.org.uk say that employers in the UK can choose between three tiers, each of which will provide a certain level of information.
While in the USA, a background check will reveal any history of incarceration candidates may have had as an adult, while most juvenile cases will not show up. It’s important to note that this might vary depending on the state and jurisdiction. If you want to ensure a comprehensive background check, considering professional services like those offered by a private investigator Toronto can be beneficial.
What Are The Main Benefits Of A Background Check?
Background checks are increasingly being used by employers to avoid hiring people who may be high risk. Background checks and a document verification service check are essential for employers to avoid liability for negligent hiring. An employer can also use background checks to eliminate potential threats or dangers by discouraging hiring people with violent criminal backgrounds or those deemed a danger to others.
Maintaining High Employee Quality
Employers must conduct background checks before hiring new employees to ensure they are hiring the best candidates. The vast majority of candidates who know they will be required to provide a history check don’t apply, which will save you time and effort. As a result, it is essential to mention that potential employees will need to submit to background checks when recruiting. While those with criminal records might have turned their lives around, it gives an employer sufficient knowledge to make informed decisions.
Risks and Liabilities of Negligent Hiring
If you operate a business that works with vulnerable people and you don’t perform background checks, not only are you falling foul of the law in most cases, but you open yourself up for lawsuits around negligent hiring practices. For example, if you run a daycare centre and a parent finds out that you have hired an individual with a criminal past, they may consider suing you for breach of trust. Moreover, even if you win such a case, the reputation of your business will be in tatters.
Occupational Safety
If a potential candidate has a record of drug or alcohol abuse, you cannot be sure that they won’t relapse in the future and put other employees at risk. Background checks help to ensure that there are no threats to the physical safety of those in the workplace and those with whom they interact. For example, if you take someone with a history of substance abuse, you cannot guarantee they won’t harm others directly or indirectly. In addition, this also relates to negligent hiring. You may be liable for damages if you hire someone with a criminal record who injures another employee while on the job.
Cost reductions
Unfortunately, people with criminal pasts tend to cost a business more than those who don’t. Even though the person may have been rehabilitated, they will still incur higher insurance premiums. They will be considered a risky person to employ by insurance companies who will raise your employee liability premiums to compensate for this perception. However, there are further costs associated that include the need for thorough background checks, which may require hiring a private investigator Birmingham or wherever you are located to ensure your hiring decisions are well-informed and mitigate potential risks to your business.
- High turnover of employees.
- Possible increase in theft (either your company’s products or other employees’ belongings).
- Poor attendance.
- A potential increase in accidents.
Cut Down On Employee Turnover
A high employee turnover can be devastating for a business. It can lead to the loss of critical employees and their knowledge which is very difficult to replace. A company can lose a lot of money from a high employee turnover rate because they have to train new employees, costing time and money. This means that they have to spend more money on recruitment and retention efforts. Additionally, the process of finding new employees takes time, especially when they are not able to find someone who has been trained for the job already. Screening candidates before hiring them can help you weed out those who won’t be able to do the job correctly.
Comply With The Law
Some jobs require background checks as part of the hiring process. Background checks are needed for professions that require a high level of trust and responsibility, such as law enforcement and those working with vulnerable people. It ensures that the individual has not committed any crimes in the past and is responsible enough to handle their job duties.
A background check can help you avoid the risk of hiring someone who may steal from you, commit fraud against your company or simply not be qualified for the position. Ensure that you conduct your research before hiring anyone, so you don’t have to worry about headaches later.
