Sterling Talent Solutions Releases 2017 Background Screening Trends & Best Practices Report

Posted Tuesday, June 20th, 2017 by Tommy Marzella, Sterling Talent Solutions

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Today we are proud to release the results of our 2017 Background Screening Trends & Best Practices Report. We surveyed 500+ U.S.-based employers on their use of background checks to gain key insights on emerging trends, technology and more. According to the survey, the consensus among organizations is that background screening is a critical business component and more than just a commodity.

Primary Reasons for Background Checks

In fact, an overwhelming 89% of organizations conduct employment background checks, and 80% of the time, these checks uncover issues and information they otherwise would not have found. Beyond finding the best candidates or complying with the law, respondents cite the primary reasons for background checks as: protecting clients/customers (45%) and enhancing workplace safety (15%).

“I’m pleased to see that organizations recognize regular and accurate screening as a necessity, not an option,” said Clare Hart, Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Talent Solutions. “Today’s business environment is shifting and the on-demand economy is growing. Platform-based businesses predicated on interactions between people are becoming increasingly more common and the safety of both parties—the service provider and the consumer—is essential for their efficient and safe operation.”

Companies’ Top Priorities for Improving Background Screening Programs

When asked about the main areas in which they would like to improve their background screening programs, respondents identified their top priorities as: reducing time-to-hire (45%), improving screening process efficiency (41%) and improving the quality of information (36%). Since 2015, there has been a significant increase (25%) in organizations’ focus on improving the quality of information, which has moved up on their priority lists.

While HR professionals seem to be focused on getting new hires in the door quickly and efficiently with accurate information, these key priorities are also the areas with which they struggle most. Survey respondents cited some of the same factors as their most significant challenges:

• Ensuring they are getting the necessary information to make an informed hiring decision (38%)
• Ensuring they are complying with ever-changing screening laws (25%)
• Improving time to hire (18%)

“Many organizations struggle to understand complex compliance and regulatory standards,” added Clare Hart. “It is crucial for these companies to have accurate information at their fingertips, in order to keep up with the ever-changing regulatory environment and make the best hiring decisions to remain competitive.”

For all of the insights, you can download the full 2017 Background Screening Trends and Best Practices Report.

This publication is for informational purposes only and nothing contained in it should be construed as legal advice. We expressly disclaim any warranty or responsibility for damages arising out this information. We encourage you to consult with legal counsel regarding your specific needs. We do not undertake any duty to update previously posted materials.