Manage HR Magazine | Wednesday, July 06, 2022
Disruption during the Covid-19 lockdown proved onerous as traditional practices were inadequate when onboarding new hires.
FREMONT, CA: The pandemic's profound impact on organisations continues to pose challenges for human resource (HR) functions. As a result, using technology assets and tools for employee background checks has become a top priority. Respondents indicated that technology can be used to digitise documents in 72 per cent of cases, evaluate staff credentials in 66 per cent of cases, and automate operations in 56 per cent of cases. Concerningly, 96 per cent of respondents reported that up to 10 per cent of their background checks on current or prospective workers had turned up bad information. Disruption during the Covid-19 lockdown proved difficult because conventional methods for onboarding new employees were insufficient; 68 per cent of respondents reported difficulty conducting background checks during the lockdown, while only 32 per cent used technology tools as an alternative mode of verification. The lessons from the current crisis show how urgently talent teams need a dynamic and automated work approach. While company continuity and employee safety have been the main priorities, executives must rethink their HR strategy, starting with the foundations of hiring and moving on to virtual onboarding, training, and skill development for their staff. The use of cutting-edge technologies for background checks on employees will be invaluable since it will make it possible to quickly hire deserving and morally upright people while safeguarding the reputation and culture of the organisation.
Stay ahead of the industry with exclusive feature stories on the top companies, expert insights and the latest news delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe today.
Negative verification as a result of inconsistencies in employment records: Up to ten per cent of background checks on new or existing employees failed for 96 per cent of respondents. The most frequent causes were inaccurate job records (87 per cent) fraudulent educational histories (45 per cent), and unreported termination by former employers (44 per cent). Pre-employment screenings are still not a common practice across the sector, and just 45 per cent of respondents thought it was necessary before a new hire was given active job duties. The initial employment process should have the lowest feasible margin of error. The danger might not be present right away, but it might build up over time.
Check Out This: Corporation
Utilizing technology-based tools and solutions as a replacement: Only 32 per cent of respondents, according to the report, stated their organisations could use technology tools as a backup form of verification during the shutdown. However, to improve its integrity and mitigate dangers, employee background verification in the new normal will need to be complemented by technological solutions. According to 72 per cent of respondents, technology can be used to digitise student records at educational institutions, 66 per cent stated it can help with a preliminary evaluation of an employee's credentials, and 56 per cent mentioned automating procedures. Blockchain and robotics can improve security, automation and machine learning can speed up processing, and software algorithms and artificial intelligence can reduce hazards during the hiring process.
Check Out This : Solar UV Solutions
Role- and responsibility-based screening: More than half of respondents reported that background checks were performed on applicants for all levels, functions, and roles. There can be various gaps in this one solution fits all strategy. Depending on the importance of the level, function, department, and responsibility, organisations need to adopt a customised approach. Contract employees should also be subject to verification because the risks are still present. Only 38 per cent of respondents conduct background checks on both contractual and permanent personnel.
More in News