Last Updated on February 22, 2022 by G. T. HR

Regular Employee Screening Helps Prevent Hiring and Retention Risks

Your employees are both your biggest asset as well as your biggest risk. One of the ways you can prevent expensive risk is by regularly re-screening your employees.

Responsible employee screening starts with a plan. By screening employees regularly, you’ll be able to address anything that is uncovered that can be of potential risk to your business. Furthermore, you may be able to prevent negligent retention accusations by being in front of these issues.

Problems May Arise After Onboarding

Most companies screen for red flags in their employees’ work, legal, or financial history only once. However, this only represents one moment in time. If an employee commits a crime, has their license revoked, or loses work authorization after they’re onboarded, the employer may never find out.

As organizations develop more mature screening programs, they start to realize that information is fluid. As a result, they want to have a better grasp on their employees. Doing a consistent job of screening employees can mitigate future personnel issues and litigation.  

The Benefits of Proactive Screening Instead of Reactive Screening

Companies should put themselves in a position of being proactive instead of reactive with employee issues. We believe that employers are getting much better at recognizing they need to tailor a background screening program. Certain industries and job classes may mean more consistent inquiry.

Regularly Screen Positions Carrying More Risk

It is suggested that you run ongoing screening across some positions based on those that carry more risk. These positions will vary by industry, however is important to remember you must be consistent across the job class to stay compliant with FCRA guidelines. Managers, cash handlers, key holders, drivers, those who hold security clearances or professional certifications are all examples of job roles that can cause potential risk.

To properly screen these riskier positions, some screenings you may want to add to your plan include:

• Office of Inspector General (OIG)
• Multijurisdictional Criminal Database Search (MJD)
• Government Sanctions List

Make Sure Your Screens are FCRA Compliant

Not all screening companies are created equal. All employee screening including continuous screening choices must comply with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Working with a reputable expert in employee screening means that you will perform all background check and employee screening with full compliance.

Be sure to follow federal and state laws regarding disclosure and authorization requirements and the adverse action process in case you fire an employee based on what the screening uncovers.

Is it legal to run background checks throughout a persona’s employment? According to legal experts, you must be sure you say so clearly and conspicuously in the notice and consent beforehand.

MyHRScreens Maintains FCRA Compliance

All screening companies work slightly differently. Working with a screening company when you have various departments and needs can be often be complex. A screening company such as MyHRScreens can help you tailor your ordering and billing experience, to ensure FCRA compliance.

Some of the benefits of the customized MyHRScreens process include:

• Location specific ordering options
• Consolidated billing subtotaled by department
• Consistent and transparent pricing
• Specialize in employment verifications of professional credentials
• Tailor your screening to a hiring class of employees for FCRA compliance
• Industry specific screening solutions designed for you make your job easier

For detailed questions about employee screening, let MyHRScreens help. Contact klewis@myhrscreens.com today to ask questions or set up an appointment.