Background checks have become increasingly popular in recent years as a way for employers to screen job applicants. However, according to a recent study, this practice is starting to have negative consequences. The study found that nearly half of all job applicants are being rejected because of something in their past, even if they have no criminal record.
In order to overcome these hiring challenges, some employers are considering relaxing their background check policies. While this may seem like a risky move, it could be the best way to find qualified candidates. In this article, we will explore both sides of the argument and let you decide if relaxing background checks is the right move for your company.
Two Sides Of The Argument
On one side of the argument, employers argue that background checks are essential to the hiring process. They argue that it is their responsibility to protect their employees, customers, and shareholders from individuals with a history of crime or violence. In addition, employers say that background checks help them avoid legal liability if something were to happen.
On the other side of the argument, some experts say employers are missing out on qualified candidates by using background checks. They argue that many people have made mistakes in their past and deserve a second chance. In addition, they say that employer-sponsored background check policies can lead to racial discrimination.
Here are a few reasons why we think employers should relax their background check policies:
❖ Expensive & Time Consuming
The cost of a background check can range from $30 to $100 per person. This expense can be a deterrent to hiring new employees for small educational institutions already operating on a tight budget. In addition, the time it takes to complete a background check can also add up, especially if you’re hiring for multiple positions at once.
❖ Uncovering Minor Offenses
In many cases, minor offenses that took place years ago shouldn’t have any bearing on someone’s ability to do their job today. By running a background check, employers may inadvertently disqualify qualified candidates who made mistakes in their youth but have since turned their lives around.
❖ Weeding Out Overqualified Candidates
In some cases, employers may be looking for entry-level or mid-level employees, but a thorough background check may uncover that the candidate is overqualified. This could lead to the candidate being passed over, even though they would be perfectly capable of doing the job.
❖ Discriminatory Practices
There is a risk that employers could use background checks as a way to discriminate against certain groups of people. For example, suppose an employer only wants to hire people with clean criminal records. In that case, they may inadvertently exclude qualified candidates from minority groups who are more likely to have been convicted of a crime.
Our Final Thoughts
While we understand that there are some risks associated with relaxing background check policies, we believe that the benefits outweigh the costs. In today’s competitive job market, employers need to do whatever they can to attract and retain top talent. By loosening their background check requirements, they may be able to find the perfect candidate for the job.
