Why Employee Background Checks are Important

Background checks can be an integral component of the hiring process for businesses across all industries. By delving into a potential candidate's past history, background checks provide valuable insights into their qualifications, character, and suitability for your company’s available role. From uncovering potential red flags to ensuring your workplace’s safety and compliance with hiring laws, background checks help hiring managers make informed hiring decisions and build a reliable and trustworthy workforce. 

Feel free to read on or contact our team at Horizon today for more information! 

What is a Background Check?

A background check is a process that involves a company diving into the verification of an individual's personal, professional, and criminal history to assess their suitability for employment. This comprehensive screening step in the hiring process typically includes checks for criminal records, employment history, education credentials, and professional licenses. By conducting background checks during the hiring process, employers and hiring managers seek to mitigate risks, ensure compliance with hiring and onboarding laws, and safeguard their organization's reputation and integrity! 

Benefits of Background Screening During the Hiring Process

As stated above, pre-employment screening during the hiring process offers numerous benefits for employers seeking to make informed decisions about prospective employees and eliminate risks associated with hiring the wrong person. Let’s dive further into these benefits below. 

Uncover a Criminal Record

One of the primary benefits of background checks is the ability to uncover any criminal records that may exist for a certain candidate. By identifying any past conduct in criminal background checks, employers can assess potential risks and make more informed decisions about the candidate's suitability for the role and their fit within the workforce. While a previous criminal charge may be “water under the bridge” for a certain candidate, it can be nice for your business to know about these things before committing to a new hire. 

Detect Lies on a Resume

Background and reference checks also help employers and hiring managers detect any discrepancies or falsehoods on a candidate's resume or job application. Verifying their employment history, educational qualifications, and professional credentials with previous employers can ensure that job applicants possess the qualifications and experience they claim to have on their resume, fostering transparency and integrity in the hiring process on both sides! 

Make an Informed Decision on the Potential Employee

Perhaps the most important aspect of these checks is gathering comprehensive information about a candidate's background in order to make informed hiring decisions based on factual data rather than assumptions or gut instincts! This type of sensitive information can enable organizations to select candidates who align with their values, culture, and job requirements, ultimately leading to better long-term employee performance and retention outcomes. 

Ensure Workplace Safety and Improve Your Workforce

Background screening plays a crucial role in ensuring your company and workplace’s safety by identifying any potential risks posed by candidates with a history of criminal behavior or misconduct within their jobs. By proactively learning about and addressing such risks, employers can work to create a safe and secure work environment for all of their employees, enhancing productivity and morale within the existing workforce. 

Compliance with Hiring Laws

Conducting background checks helps employers ensure compliance with hiring laws and regulations, which can vary by jurisdiction and industry. By adhering to local and federal legal requirements regarding background screening, employers can avoid potential liabilities and reputational damage associated with negligent hiring practices! 

This Type of Screening is Common for Onboarding Best Practices

Companies across the country should know that a comprehensive background check has become standard in onboarding best practices for organizations seeking to mitigate risks and maintain a safe and compliant workplace environment! By incorporating background checks into their onboarding processes, employers demonstrate their commitment to due diligence and responsible hiring practices, fostering trust and confidence among existing employees and management alike. 

Horizon Provides Top-Rated Solutions for Hiring, Onboarding, Payroll, etc.

Horizon is proud to be a trusted partner for businesses of all kinds across the country, offering comprehensive solutions for hiring, onboarding, payroll, and other essential HR processes, all designed to streamline operations and optimize workforce management! For over two decades, we’ve helped companies of all shapes and sizes with their payroll and HR needs – reach out to us today for more information! 

Our Hiring and Onboarding Services

Our top-rated hiring and onboarding services encompass a range of solutions tailored to meet the unique needs and objectives of each of our clients! From applicant tracking and job screening to compliance management and background checks, we can help businesses navigate the complexities of the hiring process with confidence and efficiency! Learn more about these solutions below. 

Applicant Tracking and Screening

Our applicant tracking and screening services enable businesses to streamline their recruitment processes, attract top talent, and identify qualified candidates quickly and efficiently. By leveraging advanced technology solutions and industry best practices, our team can help employers identify the right candidates for their roles while ensuring compliance with all local hiring laws and regulations! 

Helping Business Ensure Compliance

As stated above, Horizon assists businesses in ensuring their compliance with hiring laws and regulations by providing comprehensive guidance and support throughout the entire onboarding process. From conducting thorough background checks to managing documentation and HR reporting requirements, we help businesses navigate the intricacies of legal compliance with confidence and ease! 

Partnering with Verified First for Background Checks

Horizon proudly partners with Verified First, a leading provider of background screening services, to offer reliable and accurate pre-employment background checks for our clients. Through this partnership, we can ensure that businesses have access to comprehensive background screening solutions that meet their specific hiring and compliance needs. 

Professionals in the Industry for Decades

With decades of experience in the HR and payroll industry, Horizon has established ourselves as a trusted partner for businesses of all kinds seeking reliable and effective solutions for hiring, onboarding, payroll, and more! Our team of professionals can bring unparalleled expertise and dedication to each client we take on, ensuring exceptional service and support at every step of the way. 

Learn more about the clients and industries that we currently serve here!  

Contact Us Today for More Information

If you're looking to streamline your company’s hiring and onboarding processes or explore our comprehensive solutions for HR and payroll management, contact us at Horizon today for personalized assistance and expert guidance. Our knowledgeable and experienced team is committed to helping businesses achieve their goals and drive success in today's ever-changing business landscape.