Tag: EEOC

Background Checks, LIARs and Guns on the Job

~ @philammann ~ Leave a comment

As the debate over gun control rages, some observers believe letting employees carry guns to work is the answer.

Any employer considering guns at work should have a good background check policy in place first.

Background checks and the Civil Rights Act of 1964

In the aftermath of several high-profile workplace shootings, some observers think the answer is arming employees, or allowing workers to bring guns to the job.

Not every employer will accept an armory at the office is the answer. However, before any business even considers allowing guns in the workplace, first they had better have a policy of full and extensive background checks on all employees in place.

Human resources need LIARs

In human resources, the best approach is LIARs—“Look Into All References.”

Continue reading “Background Checks, LIARs and Guns on the Job” →

Background Check Prospective Employees: A Good Idea?

~ @philammann ~ 1 Comment

Are background checks of prospective employees a good idea?

Today’s HRNewsDaily Guest Voice is from Pete VanSon, CEO of Ovation Technologies.

Guest VoicesIn 1993, a Kirby vacuum salesman in Texas was charged with raping a customer. Although the salesman worked for an independent distributor, Kirby was taken to court, accused of putting the customer at risk.

If only the distributor hiring the salesman conducted a background check first; most likely they would have uncovered the prior conviction for a sexual offense.

The court awarded the victim $160,000.

In light of these events, it may be surprising that not all companies use background checks. A recent survey by SHRM found that only 69 percent of companies performed background checks on all candidates. Of the companies that do background checks, 62 percent do so after making an offer. Continue reading “Background Check Prospective Employees: A Good Idea?” →

EEOC Rule Change For Background Checks

~ @philammann ~ Leave a comment

Seal of the United States Equal Employment Opp...
Seal of the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Can a youthful mistake—like a run-in with the law that occurred decades ago—keep a person from getting a job?

It may not be the case, based on new guidelines for employers determined by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

The EEOC recently updated the official position on criminal background checks. The new policy was approved this week, and a whitepaper is available that explains the new procedures. Employers can obtain the information by emailing a request to EEOCwhitepaper@esrcheck.com.

Continue reading “EEOC Rule Change For Background Checks” →