Are Employee Background Checks Out of Hand?

Employee background checks are commonplace prior to the start of employment. It’s not uncommon for an employee, desperate for a job, to lie on their resume. Oftentimes, they want to seem more qualified than they actually are. An employee background check ensures that they’re telling the truth, and others that need to work side by side are safe. Companies hire private investigators like RGH Investigations to assist with an employee background check . If they cannot find certain details hidden away in inaccessible documentation, a private investigator likely can.?

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With the troubled economic climate in the Chicagoland area, and increase of job loss, it seems more unemployed candidates are freely embellishing or outright lying on their resume just to get the job. Believe it or not, these candidates even admit to it online! Should these employee background checks be required? Or are they a breach of privacy, and denying the unemployed person a fair shot at the position?

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Benefits of an Employee Background Check

In 2020, a survey was done across all industries in America, where it was reported that in small companies, over $1,500 was spent per employee on training. In larger companies, over $500 was spent, and in the largest companies, over $924. If there’s a high employee turnover, loss on training and hiring costs are only the beginning. Employee theft, accidents, “fake” sick leave and injuries are all factors that contribute to money loss on a bad hire. Saving money is one of the main reasons potential employees are background checked.

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What Are You Hiding…?

In 2021, a study showed that 32% of Americans admitted to lying on their resume. 46% lied about their years of experience, 44% lied about educational background and 40% lied about their skills and abilities. 41% covered up being fired. So, if the potential employee is lying about education and employment, what else are they hiding??

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Safety In the Workplace

Criminal background checks are especially important. In retail, employees are criminal background checked so that the company doesn’t have a thief on their hands. $32 million was recovered from employee theft in retail positions, in 2021. Additionally, drug and alcohol abuse is a problem in the workplace. In 2021, it was recorded that 1 in every 11 workers in America struggle with alcohol or drug abuse. Substance abusers tend to not show up to work or misuse equipment, thus harming the company financially and legally.?

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Can’t Find a Job

Many employees are qualified, but because there are so many people lying on their resume, it causes employers to be untrusting. Because of finance and legal purposes, a company should be holding background checks. Background checks aren’t just criminal history, but a character evaluation as well. These checks are not a breach of privacy, as they protect both the potential employee, current employees, and the employer.?

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Help With Background Checks

If you are looking for a more in-depth background check on an employee, RGH Investigations can help. We use ethical methods for determining an employee’s full background, such as SSN verification, financial accounts, workman comp history, concealed weapon permits, and so on. Using a private investigator is the most reliable way to get the information needed to make the best decision. Contact RGH Investigations today by calling 312-981-8770.?