With almost 23% of employed individuals reporting experiences of physical, psychological, or sexual workplace violence, the imperative to prioritize trust and safety in the workplace is undeniable. HR departments and leadership teams are working to ensure physical safety and emotional well-being while also managing risks, including those related to employee misconduct.
Employers recognize the importance of screening candidates rigorously before extending job offers, but there’s a growing awareness of the equally crucial role of continuous background checks. While pre-employment checks are standard practice, the shift toward continuous criminal background checks for employment represents a pivotal evolution in workplace safety protocols. However, despite the apparent benefits, many companies are yet to fully embrace this shift, highlighting the need to understand when and how to implement continuous monitoring effectively
Understanding the Importance of Continuous Background Checks
Relying solely on pre-employment background checks poses significant limitations and risks for employers seeking to maintain a secure workplace environment. While such criminal background checks for employment provide valuable insights into a candidate’s history when hiring, they are inherently static and fail to capture subsequent developments or changes in an employee’s circumstances. This static approach leaves organizations vulnerable to post-employment risks like undisclosed criminal activity or behavioral changes, such as substance abuse, mental health issues, or personal conflicts, impacting job performance and safety. Moreover, variations in the quality and accessibility of records across different jurisdictions may contribute to discrepancies that escape detection during the initial screening process.
Continuous monitoring is essential for addressing evolving situations within the workplace that may impact employee trust and safety. These situations include:Changes in job responsibilities or dutiesInternal policy updates or changesReorganization or restructuring within the companyMerger or acquisition activitiesExpansion into new markets or regionsResponse to security incidents or breachesChanges in industry standards or guidelinesBehavioral changes or performance issuesPersonal conflicts or disputes within the workplace
Continuous background checks encompass a range of monitoring strategies tailored to different aspects of employee behavior and qualifications. These checks include:Ongoing criminal background checksProfessional license and certification verificationEmployment eligibility verification (Form I-9)Credit history checksSocial media monitoringMotor vehicle records checksDrug and alcohol testing
Safety 360: 7 Ways Continuous Background Checks Enhance Workplace Trust and Safety
1. Early Detection of Criminal Behavior or Tendencies
Continuous background checks involve real-time monitoring of employees’ criminal records through integration with law enforcement databases and court records. It allows employers to receive instant notifications of new arrests or criminal charges against employees. These checks can use advanced algorithms and machine learning to analyze patterns in employees’ criminal histories to identify potential red flags or concerning trends. It enables employers to implement targeted interventions like counseling, training, or additional supervision to mitigate risks and ensure a safe workplace environment.
2. Preventing Workplace Violence Incidents
Employers utilize specialized risk assessment tools that analyze criminal records, prior incidents, and behavioral indicators to pinpoint individuals at risk of exhibiting violent behavior. These assessments may also incorporate psychological evaluations or assessments conducted by qualified professionals to assess employees’ propensity for violence. It helps employers mitigate the risk of workplace violence through proactive measures such as conflict resolution training, stress management programs, or employee assistance programs to address underlying issues.
3. Ensuring Trustworthiness and Ethical Behavior
Employers can deploy automated verification systems to regularly check the validity of employees’ qualifications against relevant databases and regulatory bodies. Continuous monitoring of employees’ conduct, including criminal backgrounds and financial histories, helps detect ethical breaches or misconduct.
4. Minimizing Data Breaches and Information Leaks
Advanced cybersecurity solutions that employ machine learning algorithms and behavioral analytics can help employers detect abnormal behavior or security threats. These solutions continuously monitor employees’ access to sensitive information, online communication channels, and digital interactions to identify potential insider threats or malicious activities.
5. Compliance with Industry Regulations
It has become necessary to deploy automated compliance management systems that regularly audit employees’ credentials against relevant regulatory bodies and industry guidelines. Continually monitoring criminal backgrounds and employment eligibility status helps ensure compliance with immigration laws and employment regulations.
6. Preventing Employee Theft and Fraud
Advanced fraud detection algorithms and anomaly detection techniques are emerging AI tools employers can use to analyze employees’ financial transactions, online activities, and behavioral patterns. It helps detect suspicious behavior or irregularities indicative of fraudulent activities. Employers must also implement strict access controls, segregation of duties, and regular audits to prevent unauthorized access to company assets and minimize the risk of internal fraud.
7. Fostering a Culture of Accountability
Performance management systems and employment background monitoring tools provide real-time insights into employees’ productivity, behavior, and adherence to company policies and standards. HR teams can use this information during regular feedback, coaching, or performance improvement plans to resolve issues or concerns and reinforce a culture of accountability and responsibility among employees.
Conclusion
Organizations must proactively detect and address potential risks, ranging from criminal behavior to data breaches, workplace violence, and ethical lapses. This becomes possible through regular re-verification of employees’ backgrounds, behaviors, and credentials. Continuous monitoring integrates advanced technologies, such as machine learning algorithms and behavioral analytics, to identify red flags early on. It helps employers implement targeted interventions to mitigate risks and foster a culture of integrity, accountability, and safety.
