Background Checks: Why You Need It

Importance of Background Check

75% OF EMPLOYERS SAY THEY HAVE HIRED THE WRONG PERSON

50% OF EMPLOYERS SAY THEY LOST CUSTOMERS BECAUSE OF PAST BAD RECORDS OF SOME EMPLOYEE

Every employer knows the costs of a bad hire. The impacts are accounted for in time, money, and morale.

The financial costs, in particular, are severe: recent estimates from the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners’ Report to the Nation indicate that a typical organization loses 5% of its revenues each year to occupational fraud, and a bad hire can be crippling for businesses large and small.

What is a background check?

background check is a process a person or company uses to verify that a person is who they claim to be.

Background checks provide an opportunity for someone to check a person’s criminal record, education, employment history, and other past activities in order to confirm their validity

Employers run background checks to avoid hiring someone who may pose a threat to the workplace or become a liability to the employer

An employment background check typically takes place when someone applies for a job, but can also happen at any time the employer deems necessary. For example, an employer may require annual or semi-annual drug tests or criminal background checks for their employees to help create a safe and secure workplace.

An employment background check can include, but is not limited to, a person’s work history, education, credit history, driving record, criminal record, medical history, use of social media e.t.c

If the position is specialized, applicants and employees may undergo further screenings. For example, when someone is applying to be a financial advisor, public accountant, or to work at a bank, the employer may check the applicant’s financial history, as well as any certifications or licenses they claim to possess.

Important Background Checks

Background checks can be General or Specified, however some of the necessary checks usually carried out are as follows:

  • Criminal History Check
  • Educational Check
  • Previous employment Check
  • Behavioral Check
  • Identity Validation
  • Certification and Licensing Check
  • Financial History Check
  • Illegal drug Use Check

Some Organizations Specify the Checks they want to carry Out, while others simply Carry out all available checks

Why You Should Run a Background Check

Generally, an employer that fails to investigate the background of an applicant whom they hire for a risk-sensitive position may be liable for negligent hiring or retention if the employee is later involved in serious misconduct or illegal activities. Punitive damages for those cases can run into millions of Naira.

Consequently, the time and money you might “save” by not doing background checks are only a drop in the bucket compared to what you might be required to spend to defend yourself against a negligent hiring lawsuit.

Performing a background check is your opportunity to verify the information provided by your staff or potential staff.

These reports promote a safe and profitable workplace and are a useful risk management tool that has been proven to reduce the odds of a bad hire.

There are seven but not limited to compelling reasons, to run Background Checks:

  • To provide a safe workplace for employees and customers
  • To hire the most qualified people who will help to grow your business, not to destroy it
  • To minimize exposure from employee liability by practicing “due diligence” in the hiring process.
  • To encourage honesty in the application and interview process.
  • To discourage applicants with something to hide
  • To eliminate uncertainty in the hiring process
  • Relying on instinct alone is not enough

The bottom line your applicants’ history will go a long way in predicting their future behaviour, and a thorough employee background check helps you make an informed choice. Having a background screening program in place will encourage applicants to be more forthcoming about their behaviour history

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