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The True Cost of Background Checks: Protecting Your Business from Financial and Safety Risks

The True Cost of Background Checks: Protecting Your Business from Financial and Safety Risks

Blog

In today’s competitive business landscape, hiring the right employees is crucial for success. However, the true cost of hiring goes beyond just payroll and benefits. Failing to properly screen applicants for criminal history, signs of violence, or motor vehicle issues can result in significant financial losses and safety risks for your business. Let’s delve into the true cost of background checks and why they are essential for safeguarding your organization.

Retail Theft: According to the National Retail Federation, theft, including shoplifting and employee theft, cost U.S. retailers over $61.7 billion in 2019 alone. A comprehensive background check can help identify candidates with a history of theft-related offenses, reducing the risk of internal and external theft within your organization.

Workplace Violence: Workplace violence is another critical aspect that cannot be ignored. In 2020, the United States witnessed 392 workplace homicides, alongside 37,060 nonfatal injuries caused by intentional harm from another person. These numbers serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking within the workplace, dangers that could potentially be mitigated through diligent background screenings.

Employee Vehicle Accidents: Motor vehicle accidents involving employees can lead to costly lawsuits, insurance claims, and reputational damage for businesses. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that motor vehicle crashes cost employers $60 billion annually in medical care, legal expenses, property damage, and lost productivity. Background checks that include driving records help identify candidates with a history of reckless driving or DUI convictions, reducing the likelihood of accidents while on the job.

Drug Use: Substance abuse among employees can result in decreased productivity, absenteeism, workplace accidents, and increased healthcare costs for employers. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) reports that drug abuse costs American businesses over $81 billion annually. Pre-employment drug screening as part of a comprehensive background check can help identify candidates with substance abuse issues, allowing employers to make informed hiring decisions and maintain a safe work environment.

By investing in thorough background checks, businesses can mitigate the risks associated with hiring and protect their bottom line. While the upfront cost of background checks may seem significant, it pales in comparison to the potential financial and safety repercussions of hiring unqualified or high-risk individuals. Moreover, background checks demonstrate a commitment to due diligence and the safety of employees and customers, enhancing trust and credibility in the eyes of stakeholders.

To protect your business and ensure a safe working environment, here are some tips for conducting effective background checks:

  • Implement a Comprehensive Screening Policy: Define clear guidelines for what your background checks will cover. This can include criminal history, credit checks, verification of education and employment history, and drug testing.

  • Use Reputable Screening Services: Partner with a credible background screening provider to ensure the accuracy and legality of the checks you perform.

  • Stay Informed about Legal Compliance: Ensure that your screening process complies with federal, state, and local laws to avoid potential legal pitfalls.

  • Conduct Periodic Checks: For certain positions, consider conducting periodic background checks to address any issues that may arise after employment.

  • Promote a Transparent Process: Communicate with potential hires about the screening process, what it entails, and how the information will be used. This transparency can build trust and deter applicants who may have something to hide.

In conclusion, the true cost of background checks extends beyond monetary expenses to encompass the safety, reputation, and overall well-being of your business. By prioritizing thorough screening procedures, businesses can mitigate the risks of theft, violence, accidents, and substance abuse, ultimately safeguarding their assets and fostering a secure work environment.

Hiring practices are constantly evolving, but in the 30+ years SELECTiON.COM® has been in business, background check usage by companies has been and continues to be on the rise. Background checks are still the most effective way of taking reasonable precautions to create a safe work environment for your employees and minimize costly turnovers. In addition, new reporting methods continue to make background checks more effective and reliable year after year.

Contact us today to see how SELECTiON.COM® can improve your background check process.

This page gives a general overview of legal matters. However, it is your responsibility to ensure compliance with all the relevant federal, state, and local laws governing this area. SELECTiON.COM® does not provide legal advice, and we always suggest consulting your legal counsel for all applicant approval matters.

This page is provided for information purposes only, and the contents hereof are subject to change without notice. This page is not warranted to be error-free nor subject to any other warranties or conditions, whether expressed orally or implied in law, including implied warranties and conditions of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

Sources:

National Retail Federation: https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/retailers-stem-peak-theft-season-shopping-season-heats

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): https://www.osha.gov/workplace-violence

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): https://www.nhtsa.gov/

National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD): https://www.ncadd.org/about-addiction/addiction-update/drug-abuse-costs-america-over-740-billion-per-year

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Navigating Legal Shifts: Impact of California Court of Appeal Ruling on Employment Background Checks

Navigating Legal Shifts: Impact of California Court of Appeal Ruling on Employment Background Checks

Blog, Resources

In the dynamic landscape of employment law, staying abreast of legal developments is paramount for businesses and individuals alike. One ruling that has sparked significant discussion and implications recently is the California Court of Appeal decision in All of Us Or None Of Us v. Hamrick, which could potentially reshape the realm of employment background checks in the state.

Issued on 05/26/2021, the ruling stems from a civil rights complaint filed in Riverside, California, by a Civil Rights Organization advocating for the rights of former and currently incarcerated individuals. At its core, the case addresses concerns surrounding the accessibility of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) on public access portals, particularly in Los Angeles County.

A key aspect of the ruling mandates the redaction of all PII other than the name from public access portals. While this move aims to safeguard the privacy rights of individuals involved in the criminal justice system, it presents a significant challenge for background check companies and employers conducting pre-employment screenings.

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) guidelines, obtaining additional identifiers beyond just the name is often crucial for thorough background checks. However, with the new requirement limiting the number of names per full docket order to access such information, the process becomes more cumbersome and time-consuming. As a result, delays in background check completion ranging from a week to several months are anticipated. Most searches that are clear will be completed within 48 to 72 hours. However, if additional research is needed to clarify a record, a full docket must be ordered.

The ramifications of this ruling are far-reaching, impacting employers across various industries. In an era where hiring decisions are increasingly scrutinized, ensuring compliance with evolving legal standards is essential to mitigate risks of legal action and reputational damage. Employers in California must navigate these changes with diligence and adapt their hiring practices accordingly. It’s imperative to strike a balance between conducting thorough background checks to ensure workplace safety and compliance with legal requirements while also respecting the privacy rights of job applicants.

As the legal landscape surrounding employment background checks continues to evolve, businesses must stay informed and adaptable to ensure compliance and integrity in their hiring processes. At SELECTiON.COM®, we understand the complexities and challenges presented by regulatory changes such as the recent California Court of Appeal ruling.

By partnering with SELECTiON.COM®, businesses can benefit from our comprehensive understanding of regulatory requirements and access to cutting-edge technology and resources for efficient and reliable background screening solutions.

In an era where hiring decisions are subject to increasing scrutiny and legal complexity, trust SELECTiON.COM® to be your partner in navigating the ever-changing landscape of employment background checks with confidence and peace of mind.

Contact us today to see how SELECTiON.COM® can improve your background check process.

This page gives a general overview of legal matters. However, it is your responsibility to ensure compliance with all the relevant federal, state, and local laws governing this area. SELECTiON.COM® does not provide legal advice, and we always suggest consulting your legal counsel for all applicant approval matters.

This page is provided for information purposes only, and the contents hereof are subject to change without notice. This page is not warranted to be error-free nor subject to any other warranties or conditions, whether expressed orally or implied in law, including implied warranties and conditions of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

Welcome our new Director of Operations, Cassie Miller

Welcome our new Director of Operations, Cassie Miller

Blog

We are thrilled to announce and congratulate Cassie Miller on her remarkable achievement in taking on the role of Director of Operations within our company. With an impressive tenure of 19 years, Cassie has demonstrated unparalleled dedication, commitment, and expertise, making her an invaluable asset to our organization.

Cassie has continually showcased her exceptional skills and unwavering passion for excellence throughout her almost two decades of service. Her profound understanding of our company’s operations, coupled with her extensive background knowledge, has consistently contributed to our success and growth.

In her new capacity as Director of Operations, Cassie will undoubtedly excel in leading and enhancing our operational strategies, driving efficiency, and fostering continued success.

Upon receiving this well-deserved promotion, Cassie expressed her excitement, stating, “I am truly honored and excited to step into the role of Director of Operations. Over the years, I have witnessed the evolution of our company firsthand, and I am eager to contribute to its ongoing success in this new capacity. I am committed to leading our operations with diligence and a relentless pursuit of excellence.”

Cassie’s dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to our company’s values make her the perfect fit for this crucial leadership position. We have full confidence that our operations will continue to thrive under her guidance and our company will reach new milestones.

Please join us in congratulating Cassie Miller on her well-deserved promotion. Her appointment marks an exciting chapter in our company’s journey, and we look forward to achieving even greater success together under her capable leadership.

California Civil Rights Council Amends Regulations in the 2018 Fair Chance Act

California Civil Rights Council Amends Regulations in the 2018 Fair Chance Act

Blog

In a move toward promoting fair employment practices and second chances for individuals with criminal records, the California Civil Rights Council (CCRC) has recently made amendments to the regulations in California’s 2018 Fair Chance Act. These revised regulations, which went into effect on October 1, 2023, aim to provide greater clarity and guidance to employers and job seekers alike. The Fair Chance Act, also known as “Ban the Box,” has been a pivotal piece of legislation in California’s ongoing efforts to reduce discrimination against those with criminal histories in the hiring process.

Background

The 2018 Fair Chance Act, signed into law by then-Governor Jerry Brown, is a piece of legislation designed to provide individuals with prior criminal convictions a fair shot at employment. The Act restricts employers from inquiring about an applicant’s criminal history until after a conditional offer of employment has been extended. This means that employers are prohibited from including questions about criminal records on job applications or during initial interviews. The Act aims to ensure that individuals with criminal records are not immediately disqualified from job opportunities, giving them a chance to prove their qualifications and suitability for the position.

The Amendments

The recent amendments made by the California Civil Rights Council seek to further strengthen the Fair Chance Act and provide additional clarity to both employers and job seekers. Some of the key changes include:

  1. Timing of Background Checks: The revised regulations specify the appropriate timing for conducting background checks. Employers are now required to wait until after a conditional offer has been made before conducting any background checks. This helps ensure that an applicant’s criminal history is not used as an initial screening tool.
  2. Individualized Assessment: The amendments emphasize the importance of conducting an individualized assessment when considering an applicant’s criminal history. Employers are encouraged to consider factors such as the nature and gravity of the offense, the time that has passed since the conviction, and the applicant’s rehabilitation efforts.
  3. Notice Requirements: Employers must now provide clear and specific notices to applicants if they intend to take adverse action based on their criminal history. These notices should include information about the conviction(s) that are the basis for the decision and a reasonable opportunity for the applicant to respond.
  4. Training Requirements: The revised regulations also highlight the importance of training for employers to ensure compliance with the Fair Chance Act. Employers are encouraged to provide training to their staff involved in the hiring process to ensure that they understand and adhere to the law.

Impact and Implications

By providing clearer guidelines for employers and emphasizing individualized assessments, these changes are expected to reduce discrimination and open up more employment opportunities for those who deserve a second chance. It’s important to note that employers should familiarize themselves with these updated regulations and ensure that their hiring practices align with the Fair Chance Act. Failure to do so may result in legal consequences.

Further information on these changes can be found on the Ogletree website and other sources across the web.

Contact us today to see how SELECTiON.COM® can improve your background check process.

This page gives a general overview of legal matters. However, it is your responsibility to ensure compliance with all the relevant federal, state, and local laws governing this area. SELECTiON.COM® does not provide legal advice, and we always suggest consulting your legal counsel for all applicant approval matters.

This page is provided for information purposes only, and the contents hereof are subject to change without notice. This page is not warranted to be error-free nor subject to any other warranties or conditions, whether expressed orally or implied in law, including implied warranties and conditions of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

These Important Steps Reduce the Risk of Employee Theft

These Important Steps Reduce the Risk of Employee Theft

Blog, Resources

Man puts money into his pocket.

Employees are given much responsibility and are essential to running a business. That can also create a significant risk. Employee theft is a big issue that small business owners face in the United States.  According to the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), nearly two-thirds of small businesses fall victim to employee theft and forty percent of employee theft is monetary. 

Most businesses that do have issues of employee theft will not seek legal action. Only sixteen percent of companies report employee theft to police because companies don’t believe it’s worth their time to pursue it. Large companies may think it’s not worth their trouble, but smaller businesses take a harder hit and can’t risk it. There are many ways to be proactive to stop employee theft before it even happens. 

Check Background

Criminal background checks are one way to prevent hiring employees with records of employee theft. While there is no way to protect against employee theft or prevent first-time offenders entirely, the best way to prevent employee theft is to make smart hiring decisions.   

Knowing the background of your applicant can be your greatest indicator of the ability to do their job with honesty and integrity. The only way to truly know is to check their criminal and work history for specific incidents that indicate such behavior. By conducting criminal background checks on job candidates, a company can be sure that applicants don’t have any previous record of misusing company property. 

Check References

Although criminal background checks will give you valuable information about an applicant’s criminal history, a character reference check is the best way to get others’ perceptions of your applicant. References will give you information on the applicant’s character. This is essential information when making a hiring decision that will reflect on your business and ethical values.  

It’s a good idea to consistently look out for any red flags, such as unexplained debt or missing financial records throughout employment. 

SELECTiON.COM® will develop a pre-employment and post-employment system to mitigate the risk of employee theft. Our pre-employment background check options along with our Quarterly Watch®, which can be run yearly as well, will help keep you on the right track.  

Contact us today to see how SELECTiON.COM® can take your employment background check process to the next level.   

NOTE: The contents of this article are not legal advice for your particular situation. You should neither act nor rely upon anything stated in this article without first consulting your legal counsel.  

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