The world has seen exponential growth in technology and connectivity, but with it comes the dark side of internet scams, identity theft, and monetary fraud. Businesses and commercial entities have been searching for ways to protect themselves from these nefarious activities, and background checks have proven to be a reliable and effective solution. Background checks are increasingly necessary as businesses and industries continue to move forward with remote hiring, which has become even more of a priority for companies dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. But the use of background checks goes beyond maintaining a company culture or reducing turnover rates: they help prevent fraud and enhance public safety.
Background checks provide a comprehensive insight into the candidate’s personal and professional history, including their criminal record, employment history, and education qualifications. This thorough vetting not only translates to good hiring decisions but also has the potential to curb fraudulent activities such as resume fraud, identity theft, and financial fraud in the workplace. By checking the candidate’s background, employers can ensure that they have the right person for the job. For instance, if an applicant for an accounting job has a history of embezzlement, such information will reveal them as a risky hire and consequently eliminate the chances of fraud.
In addition to new hires, background checks are equally important for existing employees. Criminal behavior doesn't follow a linear path, and it's possible that an employee will develop a criminal record where none existed at the time of hiring. By conducting background checks on current employees, employers can identify newly discovered criminal behavior that would have otherwise gone unnoticed. The process of identifying a wrongdoing emphasizes the consequences of misconduct and promotes a culture of personal responsibility, ultimately protecting public safety.
Employment history checks also protect against fraud. Similar to education background, job experience qualifications are another area commonly exaggerated or falsified. Most sectors are highly competitive, and applicants have an urge to exaggerate their qualifications, including work experience. Suppose an applicant claims to have managed a project in a particular industry but has no experience at all in the given industry. In that case, this constitutes resume fraud, which can directly affect the company's overall performance. Fraudulent employees can cause significant harm to a company, such as financial losses and reputational damage.
Furthermore, Public safety is a critical factor that businesses cannot afford to overlook. Companies that operate in industries where their services directly impact public welfare must ensure that they only hire skilled and experienced personnel. In cases where a company operates with problematic personnel, that poses a danger to the general public. This includes industries that operate with hazardous machinery, public transportation, or any other critical public service.
Background checks offer an extra layer of protection against such risks. For example, employers such as trucking companies must ensure that they hire only competent personnel. Such personnel must possess a legitimate driver's license and a clean driving record, among other prerequisites. The employer can verify their driving history and confirm the existence of their driving license before getting behind the wheel. Without such checks, even a humble mistake could have disastrous results, depending on the situation, potentially injuring or killing passers-by.
Moreover, background checks promote transparency within the company. By conducting checks on all employees, employers are essentially holding themselves accountable. Transparency ensures the accountability of the company and the employees. It thus makes it easier to trace and locate any risks within the company, making it easier to identify suspicious activities or employees, which ultimately promote public safety.
Finally, background checks promote a culture of trust within companies. Companies that prioritize employee safety through background checks reflect their dedication to providing a healthy and safe work environment. A workplace where employees feel vulnerable, fearing for their safety, ultimately leads to low morale and a lack of employee engagement. A safer work environment built on trust results in an employee base that feels valued and secure, ultimately contributing positively to the success of the company.
In conclusion, background checks are a valuable asset that companies can use to protect themselves from fraud and other nefarious activities, ultimately promoting public safety. By conducting thorough vetting processes from the hiring process to current employees, companies can ensure they are hiring the right people for the job, reduce the risk of fraudulent activities, promote transparency, and build trust with their employees.
While background checks may not always be perfect and can be costly, the benefits outweigh the costs. Companies that prioritize their employee's safety through background checks' implementation reflect a positive image of a company that prioritizes transparency, safety culture, and public welfare. In this age of technology, where data protection is vital, and cybersecurity is paramount, conducting background checks is an essential measure in protecting the company from fraud and other nefarious activities, making the workplace a safer environment for everyone involved.
