Background Check Trends 2022

The overall trend toward pre-employment background checks continues; more and more businesses – large and small – are coming to rely on professional background screening to improve the quality of their hires. In the world of background checks, here are five trends to watch for in 2022:

Background Checks for Remote Hires

Remote work is here to stay, and managing a remote workforce comes with challenges. Remote employees have considerable access to company data and resources, even when working from home. Hiring an individual without ever meeting them face to face and then providing them with a login that lets them into company data is nerve-wracking. One powerful solution is pre-hire background checks that allow employers to verify critical information about new remote hires. 

Delays

The COVID pandemic really did a number on employment everywhere. Two years of staying home gave lots of folks time to reconsider their lives, and many chose to quit their jobs and try new things. The result is a labor shortage that’s causing delays.

One area where delays are particularly apparent is drug testing. Labs are shorthanded, and supplies are low and slow because of supply chain issues. But drug testing is getting hit from the other direction, as demand for drug tests has risen dramatically. One devastating impact of the pandemic is the spike in drug use and addiction. High demand, labor shortages, and logistic struggles mean significant backlogs for pre-employment drug testing. 

Expansions of Ban-the-Box Laws

Ban-the-box and second chance laws are becoming more prevalent across the United States. In an effort to bring more equity and fairness to hiring, these types of laws restrict how employers can use criminal history reports to make hiring decisions. 

What things appear on a background check?A check of a candidate’s background may include employment, education, criminal records, credit history, motor vehicle and license record checks. Each type of check will reveal different information pertinent to that check.

How do businesses choose a screening partner?

Partnering with a professional screening agency is the key to obtaining accurate, reliable, compliant background checks in good time and at a reasonable price. Look for a screening agency with the following:

• a solid reputation
• good credentials
• packages that meet the needs of the business
• compliance tools
• ATS integrations
• quick turnaround times

ATS Integrations

Applicant tracking systems are gaining popularity as businesses look for ways to save money, streamline processes, and find good talent. ATS background check integrations improve the experience for both sides and lead to better hires. 

Gig Workers

Freelance, gig work rose dramatically during the pandemic, as did safety concerns about these types of workers. Companies that serve as middlemen between gig workers and employers are turning to on-demand economy background checks to assure the safety of their consumers and reduce their liability. Gig workers can expect to be screened just as rigorously as traditional employees. 

Any way about it, background checks are trending in 2022. If you’re hiring this year, it’s time to take a closer look at how background screening will help you hire wisely.