Author offers advice on background checks
Sep 04, 2012 Quinn Thomas
In recent years, incendiary individuals have become more capable of thwarting ID verification, background check and other security measures. Employer firms need to ensure that they are going the extra mile to avoid hiring an internal threat, as workers are among the biggest proponents of theft in corporate structures. The U.S. Department of Commerce estimates that internal theft accounts for more than $50 billion in annual losses for businesses in the nation, while experts believe between 25 and 40 percent of employees steal from their employers. Further, a Reference for Business entry cites that the DOC warned businesses in the 1990s that insider threats could represent the causes of nearly 20 percent of all business failures, while small and medium-sized businesses were among the most commonly attacked. No matter what industry a business operates in, background screening is imperative to ensure the integrity of the company and safety of its employees and clients. Learning from high profile mistakes
The Idaho Business Review recently published a story that used the recent abuse at Penn State University as an example of why background checks need to be bullet proof. The author of the story purported that Penn State allowed its culture to move away from one of accountability, and toward complacency and weakness. The news provider explained that there is a lesson to be learned from this regarding business practices, and offered advice on how to ensure a business remains accountable throughout its lifespan. At the forefront is the hiring process. Many businesses have fallen victim to smeared reputations resulting from inadequate or completely absent background checks. The Idaho Business Review recommends always verifying the most important credentials listed by an applicant, as well as checking the references they list to ensure you are getting the nod of approval from someone you can trust. Comprehensive screening for better results
One issue with background checks en masse is that the scope of questions and requirements is too small. There are significant regulations in place to protect prospective employees from unfair questions, but employers should consider asking every question they are legally allowed to pose, as doing so will yield a better picture of the individual they intend to hire. Retailers should be especially vigilant in their background checks, as Bank of America data shows nearly 45 percent of theft in the U.S. retail sector is carried out by employees.
The Idaho Business Review recently published a story that used the recent abuse at Penn State University as an example of why background checks need to be bullet proof. The author of the story purported that Penn State allowed its culture to move away from one of accountability, and toward complacency and weakness. The news provider explained that there is a lesson to be learned from this regarding business practices, and offered advice on how to ensure a business remains accountable throughout its lifespan. At the forefront is the hiring process. Many businesses have fallen victim to smeared reputations resulting from inadequate or completely absent background checks. The Idaho Business Review recommends always verifying the most important credentials listed by an applicant, as well as checking the references they list to ensure you are getting the nod of approval from someone you can trust. Comprehensive screening for better results
One issue with background checks en masse is that the scope of questions and requirements is too small. There are significant regulations in place to protect prospective employees from unfair questions, but employers should consider asking every question they are legally allowed to pose, as doing so will yield a better picture of the individual they intend to hire. Retailers should be especially vigilant in their background checks, as Bank of America data shows nearly 45 percent of theft in the U.S. retail sector is carried out by employees.
