Research Report Summary: How HR Professionals View and Use Background Screening in Employment

Highlights from National Association of Professional Background Screeners' survey, conducted in partnership with HR.com's Research Institute

In order to help safeguard today's increasingly globalized workforce, organizations are utilizing professional background checks at a near universal rate, according to a newly released survey from the National Association of Professional Background Screeners, conducted in partnership with HR.com's Research Institute.

Nearly all HR professionals conduct background checks of some kind, with a majority saying they screen both part-time and full-time employees. Ninety-six percent of employers conduct one or more types of employment background screening, which is up by one percentage point from 2018.

The percentage of employers citing public safety as the top reason they conducted background checks remained at the top of the list in this year’s survey. A full 85% conduct background checks to protect employees, customers and others. While the focus on safety and security is paramount, background checks are also helping employers ensure they are hiring the best person for the job, with 51% citing improving the quality of hires as a reason they conduct background checks.

About two-fifths of the respondents surveyed represent companies with fewer than 100 employees (42%). Fifty-two percent of entities represented are privately held, and 26% are non-profit. Seventy-seven percent of HR professionals work for a company that has a documented background screening policy, with ten percent indicating they aren't sure. The 2019 survey shows that most companies are still waiting until after a conditional job offer is made before conducting a background screen.

In an increasingly global economy, more employers are looking for international screening capabilities. Nearly all employers (95%), regardless  of whether or not they have locations outside the United States or if they have job applicants that live or have lived overseas, say it is important for companies to have access to global/international screening capabilities. A significant majority of respondents (64%) believe access to global screening capabilities is important.

To learn much more about the survey on How Human Resources Professionals View and Use Background Screening in Employment and to get key insights and strategic takeaways, we invite you to read the complete report here: