Our team of experts fields real-life, everyday questions from HR managers and gives practical answers that can be applied by any HR pro in the same situation. Today’s issue: Conducting criminal background checks in light of the feds’ recent guidance.
Q: With the EEOC cracking down on criminal background check procedures, is it even worth it to still to conduct them?
A: Yes, for four reasons, say Hayes Hunt (hhunt@cozen.com) and Jonathan Cavalier (jcavalier@cozen.com) on From the Sidebar:
- Some jobs, including those in finance, health care, government, child care and teaching, require criminal background checks and the disqualification of candidates convicted of certain crimes.
- Background screenings can help reduce disciplinary issues, reduce turnover and increasing staff member satisfaction by increasing the quality of people you bring in the door.
- You can be held responsible for injuries and damages caused by staff if you’ve failed to exercise care in hiring. Examples range from a hiring a truck driver with a number of DUIs who then causes an accident to hiring convicted stalker who harasses a colleague.
- Violence in the workplace has increased in recent years. Background checks can help eliminate potential employees with anger management issues.
