Not every job is the same, so not every background check should be the same

Any good businessperson knows that you can’t pigeon-hole your employees to fit whatever job happens to be open. It takes certain skill sets, experience and even personality to suit certain jobs.

The same is true for employment screening. Putting every employee through the exact same screening process regardless of the job they’d be performing for your company is not efficient or all that useful. Instituting a policy of having every prospective employee undergo a background check is definitely a step in the right direction. But don’t just put everyone through the exact same background check. Think about the various roles your employees perform for your company, and tailor the screenings to their jobs. For example, it might not be all that helpful to make employees who don’t do any driving or delivering for your company undergo a driver’s license check. Also, save the credit checks for just those employees who will be handling funds or be responsible for the company’s (or fellow employees’) money.

There are, however, some types of background checks that are wise to use across the board for all employees. This includes taking a look at everyone’s criminal record and verifying previous employment.

As an employer, you’re expected to take the necessary precautions to keep your employees and your company’s goods, services and reputation safe. To do this effectively, you must implement some background screening processes. Just don’t put everyone through the same cookie cutter process. It’s a waste of time, money and resources.

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O’Hare airport starts background check program for passengers

Background checks are making their way into airports, but not for airport and airline employees – for travelers!

We all know it’s been a hassle – but a largely necessary one – to be subjected to a higher level of airport security in the last decade. Now frequent fliers of American Airlines through O’Hare International Airport and nine other airports across the country have instituted Transportation Security Administration’s PreCheck program, which allows travelers to go through a special background check process before they fly.

If they pass the pre-screening, a special bar code is printed on their boarding passes, allowing them to go through a special security line at the airport whenever they travel. That security line allows them to keep on their shoes, hats, jackets and belts, and allows them to leave their laptops in cases and liquid toiletries packed safely away.

The use of background checks have been increasing across just about all industries in recent years. This is an example of how they can be used to increase not only safety but convenience for people.

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PA background check law for schools being challenged

A Pennsylvania law that’s been revised to protect children has some school employees filing suits trying to keep their jobs.

According to the Associated Press, at least four lawsuits have been filed around the commonwealth challenging the state Department of Education’s application of new rules about criminal records to current employees. Under the law that took effect last fall, school employees must report any arrests or convictions of serious crimes in their past and must also report any future arrest or conviction within three days. The requirement applies to crimes such as homicide, kidnapping, sexual assault or aggravated assault and applies to teachers, administrators, support staff and contractors.

The department has told administrators to fire any employee who comes into contact with children and has been convicted of any of the 28 listed offenses. The lawsuits, filed in Allegheny, Dauphin, Delaware and York counties, argue that the law should be interpreted to only pertain to future employees, not current ones. They further argue that the law is unconstitutional because it violates the due process rights of employees since it essentially penalizes them for crimes for which they’ve already been punished.

Time will tell whether the courts find any merit in these lawsuits, but we’ll certainly keep tabs on this issue. 

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