4 Key Employment Check Trends to Watch In 2019

With economic conditions, technology and the legal landscape in continual flux, it’s crucial for employers to stay aware of the employment check trends. There are benefits but also potential hazards within the changing face of the human resources industry.

The following are four of the most significant employment check trends to watch in 2019:

1. Talent War Tempts Companies to Cut Corners in Screening Process

The “downside” of a red hot economy with low unemployment is that some of the best companies are having trouble filling jobs. The competition for top talent has never been more fierce. This is causing some companies to consider expediting the screening process or skipping some of the vital steps required. Some are even willing to hire ex-offender applicants with criminal records.

However, poor hiring decisions could impact productivity and workplace morale. It could also result in negligent hiring lawsuits. Employers are advised to talk with their screening company for options on the employment check trends of expediting the process safely while still performing thorough screening.

2. The FCRA Employment Check Trends and Other Lawsuits Related to Compliance On the Rise

Lawsuits related to the Fair Credit and Reporting Act pertaining to proper background check procedures are always a potential concern for employers. The FCRA promotes fairness, accuracy and privacy with the information contained in consumer reporting agency files. It protects workers from negligent/willful inaccuracies in background checks.

Besides FCRA violations, employers and background screeners also have to worry about facing lawsuits related to local and state requirements. “Ban the Box” regulations are one such example. This is the required delay of asking criminal history queries of job applicants until later in the hiring process. Many states also have salary history laws prohibiting employers from asking for earnings information. These laws are in place to try and narrow the gender wage gap. However, along with these employment check trends come potential legal pitfalls if the laws are not properly adhered to.

3. Social Media Screening Still a Key Topic

Issues around the relatively new area of social media screening as part of an employment background and assessment process will continue. There is debate about the use of social media screening as a way to continually evaluate current workers as well as in the pre-employment phase. Background screening companies are still navigating the FCRA and EEOC concerns related to this type of screening. While it can assist with finding the best workers, there are also numerous potential legal pitfalls.

4. AI Enhances Employment Screening, but Human Touch Required to Avoid Discrimination Concerns

The employment check trends of AI are streamlining the background screening industry and its processes, searching databases with lightning speed. However, as it finds its footing, numerous ethical problems could arise. This is especially relevant to AI algorithms that enact a continuous screening process of workers. Finding the ideal balance of automated checks and “the human touch” will be key in maximizing the benefits of AI while avoiding its pitfalls.

The employment screening industry and employment check trends continue to evolve. Employers can navigate the ever-changing landscape by partnering with an experienced, proven professional in the background screening space.

Disclaimer Statement: All information presented is for information purposes only and is not intended to provide professional or legal advice regarding actions to take in any situation.