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Trends in Background Screening

More and more organizations are turning to background screenings to protect their workplaces and improve hiring decisions. This increased focus on safe hiring is leading to innovations and evolutions within the background screening industry. The top trends include the following:

Gig Economy Screenings

Freelance and gig workers have skyrocketed in recent years, and background checks are just starting to catch up. The gig economy is highly dependent upon trust to function. In fact, the entire system is actually built on trust, so it’s no surprise that background screenings are becoming part of the process. Gig workers are being asked to undergo thorough vetting as if they were full-time employees. Reliable, trustworthy workers reflect on every organization, whether it’s a traditional workplace or a thoroughly modern gig-based system.

Ongoing Screenings

Pre-employment background checks are the norm for the vast majority of employers across the country. But ongoing screenings for existing employees are on the rise. Implementing a policy of ongoing screens provides an additional layer of security. Drug tests and DUI monitoring are two common ways existing employees are screened, but ongoing criminal records checks are also becoming more and more commonplace.

Tech Solutions

One of the reasons background checks are becoming more prevalent is that technology is making them easier and easier to do. Certainly, digital records have played a significant role, but there’s so much more going on. Sophisticated Applicant Tracking Systems allow candidates to complete applications from their phones and enter all the info needed for a background check in one place. Employers can monitor the process, request background checks from their screening vendor, and manage all the compliance requirements from the ATS as well. As a result, criminal background checks are faster, more reliable, and easier than ever before.

Global Screens

Two significant trends are driving the increased need for international background screenings. First, people are moving around a lot. It’s not unusual for employers to see applications come in for candidates who have lived or worked, or learned outside the United States. And second, the rise in remote positions means that a U.S.-based company can literally have employees working from anywhere. Securing company assets and information requires safe hiring practices, even when international jurisdictions are involved.

Fairness

Fairness isn’t technically a trend per se, but efforts are increasing to ensure that all applicants get access to employment opportunities and that blemishes on a criminal background search don’t lead to unfair or unnecessary discrimination. Employers are increasingly likely to consider time passed, the severity of the infraction, rehabilitation efforts, and the specific requirements of the position when using criminal history to make hiring decisions. Is your organization on board with these trends?