Since the outbreak of COVID-19, many organizations have been forced to re-evaluate their hiring practices. One area that has come under increased scrutiny is employee background checks.

While background checks have always been important, they have become even more critical in the post-COVID world.

The surge in job applications

With so many people out of work, employers are facing a surge in job applicants. This makes it more difficult to weed out the bad apples.

That’s where background checks come in. By running a thorough check on an applicant, employers can get a better idea of who they’re dealing with.

If you’re an employer, it’s important to make sure that you’re doing all you can to screen your applicants. Background checks should be a key part of your hiring process.

More international interactions

In this phase of the pandemic, many industries have been forced to change the way they operate. Some have been able to adapt and survive, while others have not been so lucky. The industries that have been able to survive have some connection with international players. This means that the people from these industries are in direct touch or have some impact on your international ties. If these people are not checked thoroughly, then the companies’ stakeholder relationships are at stake.

Working from home

Workers across the globe have adapted to working from home, and many companies have realized that they can function just as well, if not better, without an office. This is especially true for employees who have young children or other caregiving responsibilities.

The pandemic has taught companies that people can be just as productive from home as they can in an office. And for many people, working from home is actually preferable. It eliminates the need for a commute and gives employees more flexibility when it comes to their work schedule.

It is not uncommon to see nowadays that people are getting interviewed, hired, onboarded, and fired virtually. There is less interaction with the organization. This heightens the need for background checks further.

Working away from the office

As we return to normalcy, companies are eager to rebuild relationships with customers, vendors, and other stakeholders. They are sending more employees to different locations to interact and engage with others in their professional ecosystem.

As more and more people interact with your important contacts outside your organizations, it is important that these people are properly checked.

Conclusion

Overall, the outbreak of Covid-19 has resulted in companies placing more emphasis on employee background checks in order to ensure the safety of their workplace. This is due to the fact that Covid-19 has forced many changes upon businesses. With newer reasons coming to foray such as a surge in job applications, more employees getting exposed to international connections, work from home becoming a new norm, and new employees meeting your critical contacts, companies should consider thorough employee background checks as an important element of the hiring strategy.