Employee background screening has grown even more common over the last several years, and such screening applies to a broader range of workers than ever before. Today, 90% of employers screen all full-time employees, up from 86% in 2019 and 83% in 2017. What’s more, employers have also become more likely to screen part-time employees and contingent employees as well as volunteer workers.
The free research report, Background Screening: Trends and Uses in Today’s Global Economy, is now available for download. HR.com’s HR Research Institute partnered with the Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA) to conduct the study of HR professionals in order to understand current employee background screening usage and trends as well as what features and applications are key to ensuring organizations are safeguarding their workforce.
Study results also revealed the top three reasons for conducting background checks are:
- protecting the safety of employees and customers (83%),
- improving the quality of hires (51%), and
- mandated by law/regulations (40%).
Along with the recent growth of screening, it appears that background checks are becoming more robust. Employers are checking significantly more individuals and also including more elements of non-criminal record checks. These checks can include employment verification, social media searches, credit reports and professional license verification.
“It’s reassuring to see that more companies are investing in safeguarding their business,” stated Debbie McGrath, Chief Instigator and CEO of HR.com. “Though many organizations conduct these employment background checks, the length of time to get the results is the top challenge, an issue exacerbated by the redaction of personal identifiers in some federal, state and local court records, and the lack of electronic access to some court systems across the country.”
Download the full report and infographic which include details for HR departments to gain insights into where and how to grow and improve their background screening for the safety of their business.
DOWNLOAD RESEARCH REPORT: https://web.hr.com/80jnt
About PBSA
Founded as a non-profit trade association in 2003, the Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA) was established to represent the interest of companies offering employment and tenant background screening services. PBSA currently represents nearly 900 member companies engaged in employment and tenant background screening around the world. PBSA is the trusted global authority for the screening profession. In pursuit of their mission to advance excellence in the screening profession, PBSA promotes and advocates for ethical business practices and fosters awareness of privacy rights and consumer protection issues. For more information on background screening, visit our website at www.thepbsa.org
About HR.com and the HR Research Institute
HR.com’s HR Research Institute helps HR departments keep their finger on the pulse of HR! HR.com is committed to creating inspired and informed workforces by maximizing the potential of HR professionals around the world. Over 1.75 million HR professionals rely on HR.com as the foremost, trusted industry resource for education, career development, and compliance (that many people can’t be wrong!). Offerings include the largest network of HR executives, leading-edge industry research from the HR Research Institute, 13 monthly HR-themed epublications, innovative HR education including 250+ annual webcasts, the most comprehensive HR certification exam preparation program supporting SHRM and HRCI certification, as well as helpful HR tools and legal compliance updates. HR.com has the largest knowledge base of HR practices globally and offers unparalleled training and networking for HR professionals all over the world… 24/7… 365 (just in case you can’t get enough HR). Visit www.hr.com/featuredresearch to download research (always free) and to maximize HR potential. #hrresearchinstitute
For more information, contact:
Jenna Watson Gudgel
PR Communications Manager, HR.com
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