Three advantages that make employee background checking a game-changer 

Employee background checking is more than a routine step in the hiring process. With more than 2 million background checks completed, we’ve seen the impact of effective employee screening first-hand. Here are the top three ways a robust background screening process can transform businesses:

In this blog

1. 1. Reducing unconscious bias
2. 2. Nurturing a safe working environment
3. 3. Boosting employer reputation
4. Conclusion and key takeaways

1. Reducing unconscious bias

Research from UCL has revealed that UK graduates from ethnic minorities and low socio-economic backgrounds are 45% less likely to be offered entry-level professional roles than white applicants from wealthier backgrounds. A robust screening process can encourage fair hiring processes, allowing companies to benefit from a more inclusive and productive working environment.

Background checks offer access to reliable facts and information about candidates which enables objective, informed decisions based on suitability and potential, free from the influence of intuition or prejudice. By focusing on objective data, leaders can mitigate the impact of stereotyping based on personal characteristics like gender, age, or ethnicity, demonstrating compliance with the Equality Act 2010.

Additionally, implementing a consistent employee screening process – that scales with role seniority – ensures equal evaluation of candidates, further reducing the risk of bias and ensuring a fair and balanced hiring experience for all employees.

2. Nurturing a safe working environment

Workplace psychological safety has declined over the past five years. Research from MFHA England reveals that only 41% of UK employees feel able to bring their whole self to work, compared to 66% in 2020.

Additionally, in October 2024, new legal duties came into force under the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023 requiring employers to take ‘reasonable steps’ to protect employees from sexual harassment and ensure a safe working environment.

The employer duty of care to employee safety is one that should be taken extremely seriously, as a lack of employee safety and wellbeing impacts productivity, mental health, and engagement with work activities.

Robust employee background checking plays a crucial role in fostering a safe working environment. It provides insights into past behaviours that may indicate a candidate’s unsuitability, which is essential for reducing the likelihood of workplace violence or harassment and meeting the new legal duties. Additionally, early verification of credentials can reveal discrepancies in candidates’ claimed qualifications. This helps prevent hiring individuals who might not know the necessary safety protocols and standards, protecting the employer from potential reputational damage or even lawsuits.

3. Boosting employer reputation

The integrity of its employees says a lot about a brand. Having a reputation for stringent employee background checking offers peace of mind to customers, stakeholders and potential candidates as it reduces the opportunities for things to go wrong.

For customers, the quality of the individuals they talk to and entrust with their business reflects onto the business and informs their opinion of the brand overall – ensuring every employee is trustworthy and professional from the start only boosts this reputation.

Stakeholders need to feel confident knowing every employee has the qualifications and experience to produce high-quality work, maintain compliance, and reduce business risks. Consistent background checking processes give that additional assurance that everything is running smoothly.

High-quality candidates are attracted to high-quality employers. Fostering a safer working environment through effective background checking processes will increase the likelihood of current employees advocating for the brand and recommending opportunities to their networks. It’s no secret that employees are looking beyond job titles and salaries, with more than half of HR leaders citing wellbeing as HR’s greatest value to employees in our recent report.

Conclusion: Let your reputation for quality help you stand apart

By reducing unconscious bias, nurturing a safe working environment, and boosting employer reputation, effective screening processes not only enhance the quality of hires but also foster a more inclusive and secure workplace. As companies strive to meet legal obligations and uphold high standards, investing in thorough background checks is essential.

This commitment to due diligence not only protects your business from potential risks but also supports your position as a trustworthy and responsible employer, attracting top talent and earning the confidence of customers and stakeholders alike.

Key takeaways

• The value of employee background checking is often underestimated, but can add significant value to your recruitment process.
• Badly run employee background checks can do damage and alienate great talent.
• Background checking has the power to make hiring more objective, minimise risk, and help create a safer working environment for everyone.
• Effectively managed employee screening can enhance both the candidate experience and the employer brand, boosting trust between both parties.

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