As organizations remain diligent in their pursuit of hiring the right candidates, conducting background checks has become a standard practice. Background checks serve as a tool to mitigate legal and financial risks, ensure a safe workplace, and safeguard company reputation. Despite their importance, there is a fine line that separates the ethical and responsible manner of conducting background checks from practices that can be considered invasive and discriminatory.
So how can you ensure that you are conducting background checks in an ethical and responsible manner? A comprehensive background screening program requires a clear understanding of the process and legislation governing the practice, as well as the tools and technologies available to streamline the process.
Understanding the Process and Legislation
Before initiating a background check, ensure that you have a well-documented process that outlines what type of information you will be seeking, who will have access to that information, and how the information will be used. Ensure that you comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which necessitates that all applicants undergo background checks be made aware of this process beforehand.
Similarly, be mindful of the restrictions that may exist at the state or local levels, particularly when it comes to convictions that are unrelated to the job. While some states impose restrictions on employers asking about an applicant's criminal history, in others, employers may be permitted to inquire about criminal history after a conditional offer of employment has been made.
Succeeding in Conducting Ethical and Responsible Background Checks
It's important to approach the background check process with the goal of obtaining relevant information that helps determine a candidate's suitability for the job in question. Avoid approaching it from a viewpoint of disqualifying candidates before they even get a chance to prove themselves.
Be transparent with prospective employees, ensure that the background check process is clear and succinct, and provide prospects with sufficient opportunity to provide additional context on any identified concerns. Asking for this additional information helps to promote a fair review and extend the opportunity for growth to deserving candidates.
The Benefits of Conducting Ethical and Responsible Background Checks
Conducting an ethical and responsible background check identifies candidates who are trustworthy, competent, and reliable while creating a safe workplace environment. It can reduce absenteeism, poor performance, and discrimination, which ensures that you are hiring the best candidates who are fit for the job. This practice also helps to keep company reputation intact, as companies that engage in responsible background checks are perceived as a safer place to work, contributing to increased retention rates.
Challenges of Conducting Ethical and Responsible Background Checks and Overcoming Them
One of the challenges associated with conducting ethical and responsible background checks is the possibility of candidates withholding information that may have an adverse effect on their suitability for the role. To mitigate this challenge, it is recommended that you verify the information provided by the candidate by verifying that their listed education or employment history exists.
Another challenge is to ensure that the third-party companies conducting the checks are themselves conducting their activities in an ethical and lawful manner. To mitigate this risk, engage with companies that have the experience and resources to comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
Tools and Technologies for Effective Background Checks
Nowadays, using online candidates' verification services can streamline the process considerably. Tools like People Checker can help automate parts of the process while reducing the risk of human error, making background checks more efficient and accurate. These tools can also help save time and money by running searches on multiple databases simultaneously.
Best Practices for Conducting Ethical and Responsible Background Checks
To ensure that the background check process is being conducted in an ethical and responsible manner, there are several best practices that organizations should follow. These include ensuring that all information is relevant to the job in question, not discriminating against protected characteristics such as gender, religion, or ethnicity, disclosing the nature of the check, and giving the candidate the ability to contest any findings that may be incorrect.
In conclusion, the benefits of conducting ethical and responsible background checks far outweigh the challenges. Ensuring that proper processes are in place from the start, utilizing modern tools, and following best practices are all keys to achieving success. By taking a proactive approach to these checks, organizations can confidently extend offers to the best candidates while creating a safer workplace environment.
