Background checks are a crucial part of the hiring process for many businesses. They offer employers a chance to get to know their prospective employees better and to make informed decisions about their hiring. However, conducting background checks can present legal and ethical considerations for businesses. It is essential that businesses remain aware of these considerations to avoid potential problems down the road.
Legal Considerations
One of the primary legal considerations that businesses should be aware of when conducting background checks is compliance with federal and state laws. The Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) sets guidelines for permissible background checks, especially in relation to discrimination.
Under the EEOC guidelines, employers cannot use criminal background checks to discriminate against job seekers based on their race, color, national origin, sex, or religion. Employers must also keep in mind the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and state laws that regulate background checks, including statutes regarding consumer reports and background checks.
Businesses must also ensure that they are obtaining required consent from job candidates before running background checks. The EEOC recommends that employers notify candidates in writing about proposed background checks and the specific information they will cover. Employers should also explain how the information will be used and the potential consequences for job seekers.
Businesses must also be careful with the information they collect through the background check process. They should only collect information that is relevant to the job. They should also be mindful of the sensitive nature of this information and its potential impact on job seekers.
Ethical Considerations
In addition to considering their legal obligations, businesses must also be aware of ethical issues when conducting background checks. One of the primary ethical considerations is the need to balance the employer's interests with the job seeker's privacy rights.
Employers must ensure that they are only conducting background checks when they are necessary for the job, and that they are not conducting the checks simply to get a fuller picture of the candidate's life. Employers must also ensure that they are using the information collected in the background check process only for the intended purposes, such as making hiring decisions.
Another ethical issue to consider is the impact of the background check process on the candidate experience. While background checks may be necessary for certain jobs, they can be invasive and stressful for job seekers. If possible, employers should try to minimize the impact of the background check process on the candidate experience.
Examples of Legal and Ethical Issues
Real-life examples of legal and ethical issues that can arise during background checks illustrate the importance of remaining aware of these considerations.
One such example involves the use of criminal background checks. Employers must ensure that they are not using criminal background checks in a discriminatory way, especially in relation to protected classes such as race and sex. In a 2017 case, the EEOC sued a manufacturing company after it conducted criminal background checks on job applicants without obtaining their consent, leading to allegations of race discrimination.
Another example involves the use of credit checks. While credit checks may be necessary for certain jobs (such as financial services positions), they can be invasive and affect job seekers who have had financial troubles in the past. In a 2019 case, a job applicant sued a company for rescinding her job offer after conducting a credit check without her permission.
A third example involves the use of social media in background checks. While social media can offer employers a window into the personal life of job candidates, it can also lead to privacy issues and discrimination. In a 2019 case, the EEOC sued a Texas company for rescinding a job offer to a woman based on her Facebook posts about her Muslim faith.
Conclusion
Background checks can provide valuable insights for employers during the hiring process. However, businesses must remain aware of legal and ethical considerations to avoid potential legal liabilities and ethical dilemmas. By obtaining consent before conducting background checks, using only relevant information, and avoiding discriminatory practices, businesses can ensure that they are conducting background checks responsibly and making informed hiring decisions.
