Background checks have proven to be beneficial both to employers and employees. They prevent future damages that could be caused by negligent hiring. As an employer, you are given the responsibility to screen all the people that will be involved in your business. You are expected to anticipate potential problems that could occur in the future especially those caused by new employees. If an employer fails to do so and therefore inflict damage on the company and its employees, the company owner could be sued for Negligent Hiring. Statistics have shown that 70% of lawsuits on Negligent Hiring cases are lost by the company owners. These facts just reinforce the importance of pre-employment background checks on employment decision-making.

There are several other incidences (aside from negligent hiring) that a background check can protect you from. Statistics from the Bureau of Justice has shown that 67% of criminals released from jail were rearrested for at least a single serious crime with the next 3 years and that almost 60% of sex offenders are under parole in the United States. According to the New York Times, 70% of illegal drug users have full time jobs. And according to a national survey by the University of Florida, American employees steal about $10.4 million from their employers over a one-year period. Now think about it, would you entrust any of these people with your business?

Background checks are also used to verify educational degrees, professional licenses, references and past employment records that applicants put in their resumes. According to the American Psychological Association, 67% of resumes in the United States are falsified or “enhanced”. Hence, resumes should always be double checked and validated with other sources to prove the applicants credibility and character.

I trust that you now understand just how important an employment background check is as a part of the hiring process. As the employer, you are responsible in protecting your business and your employees from potential dangers brought about by negligent hiring.