Should you Re-Screen your Employees?

Periodic screenings are becoming increasingly important to employers in order to ensure safe and compliant working conditions. You must consider a few things before you begin a re-screening program:

• Depending on your state laws and whether you are a "at will" employer, it might be against the law.
• Will it cause stress and mistrust to your employees?
• Consent must be obtained and notice of the ongoing screening program must be disclosed.
• The employee may withdraw consent for screening at any time. Employers must state in the background screening policy any repercussions for revoking consent.

Something else to consider is that the periodic screening policy should cover all employees or those jobs subjected to more scrutiny, so the policy isn't discriminatory. You must present it in a positive light with the understanding that this will help ensure that all employees will have a safe working environment.

If you decide to re-screen employees make sure you consult a with a qualified Employment Law Attorney and know the laws of your state.