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Conducting Background Checks in the Post Pandemic World


Following Covid-19 pandemic, background verification industry has grown to be very crucial as the epidemic has resulted in numerous hazards. Growing rate of unemployment and financial crisis has aggravated the cases of frauds and thefts. Now businesses not only have to worry about generating revenue in the increasing challenges but also have to determine ways to secure their clients, workforce and assets from fraudulent scams, theft and crimes. With this abrupt change in global business situation in the post pandemic world, carrying out background screening operations that too as per the law is very challenging.

In the recruitment process, running background checks beforehand is considered a very safe choice as it reduces threats associated with the hiring of ineligible candidates. Here is how conducting background checks is beneficial in the post pandemic world.

Better Hiring Decisions

A study conducted in 2018 shows that in United States, 50 billion is stolen annually and 7% of total company revenue is lost by hands of its employees, detection of which may take up to two years. As a matter of fact, for a business, it costs 150% of an employee's annual salary to fire and replace them. Conducting background check helps a great deal in dealing with these types of frauds as it assists employers in avoiding hiring dubious and threatening candidates. Running checks enable employers to hire better qualified employees with clean slate background and who adhere to moral code.

Ban the Box Legislation

It is not hard to completely investigate someone in the United States without pursuing proper proceedings. Employers are restricted when it comes to hiring by Ban-the-Box rules, which constrain HR's authority to inquire about an applicant's criminal history.

This legislation is currently in place in 14 states and nearly two dozen localities, with these numbers expected to change by the end of 2021. The state and local laws determine what is acceptable. To avoid hefty fines and penalties, businesses frequently consult a legal professional.

However, limitations imposed by the government do not reduce the necessity for screening. Businesses can look into a person's credit score and financial record while being in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

Consumer reporting organizations can only share information with third parties in case there is a lawful purpose. Organization can avoid workforce related risks by completing due diligence on potential hiring. Fake government or medical communications, malicious URLs or emails, fraudulent employment offers, and false investments were all prevalent scams throughout the pandemic.

Accident Prevention

A background check can include a credit score, previous employment, and lawsuits in addition to looking into someone's police record in order to determine someone's credibility as a prospective hire. The premise is that preventing a crime is more successful than pursuing it after it has occurred, when some assets are no longer recoverable.

In order to determine someone's credibility as a prospective hire, a background check can include a credit score, previous employment, and lawsuits in addition to looking into someone's police record. It is because preventing a crime is more successful than pursuing it after it has occurred and when some assets are no longer recoverable.

Despite the fact that background screening is governed by various standards, the practice actually enhances compliance. As per Global Benchmarking Report 2020, 44% of the HR professionals claimed that background screening helped them comply with regulations.

Since many applications contain discrepancies and fraudulent claims, it aids in placing individuals in the appropriate position. Background screening verifies candidate's education, training, certificates, and other credential to ensure that the company’s hiring decisions are more informed.

Moreover, if an affected employee argues that an employer failed to do hiring due diligence, a business can lessen negligent hiring claims. An organization could be held accountable for damages if a court rules in favor of the victim.

Organization must remain diligent in protecting their workforce and assets in the post-pandemic environment, and one of the greatest ways to do so is with the help of background checks.