Over the first half of 2020, hiring trends for all types of business hiring teams have shifted dramatically to keep everyone safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many employers have needed to lay off valued employees, while others have asked employees to work from home. Neither situation means that businesses have halted the hiring process completely.
In April 2020, Nasdaq reported that some industries and companies had experienced their highest-ever demand, requiring them to adapt in various ways. Hiring managers have needed to navigate recommendations and requirements from bodies like the Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), calling for citizens to wear a protective mask and maintain social distancing. (1)
One crucial element that hiring teams have needed to keep in rotation in the hiring process is background screening of candidates. But what does pre-employment screening or a background check look like during a pandemic?
Hiring Teams Are Developing Effective Employment Screening Strategies During Covid-19
All businesses are making adjustments to deal with the challenges experienced because of COVID-19, and they are certainly including hiring process. More specifically, hiring managers can’t put background checks and other employment screening techniques on hold since it is more important than ever to hire talented, trustworthy, reliable and dedicated team members.
Forbes recently reviewed three key components of the screening process, including public records, verifications and drug screening. Each component offers a specific image for candidates, but each one has undergone some adjustments during COVID-19. Hiring teams have adapted their background screening processes in the following ways, according to these key components.
Public Records
As one might imagine, some courts were closed during the peak of the coronavirus outbreak. Approximately 30% of the country’s courts were limiting results due to closures and other limited resources. (2) Another 10% of courts and court resources were closed completely. Background screening vendors have needed to take special care to ensure information is complete, up-to-date and accurate.
Verifications
Some hiring teams might not have had the ability to employ standard reporting procedures for verification during the COVID-19 outbreak. Larger corporations often have verification solutions and use automated reporting methods, making it easier to stay up-to-date. However, small-and-mid-sized businesses may not have the manual resources available to maintain this vital information. Many businesses are relying on screening vendors for Employment Verifications and to keep up with vital information, such as work history, pay stubs and W-2s.
Drug Screening
Drug screening is an invaluable screening tool for hiring teams filling a variety of positions. Some jobs involve driving, operating dangerous equipment or substances, or working in hospitals or with pharmaceuticals. Options for drug screening remain intact despite any possible complications associated with COVID-19. Top vendors providing drug screening services are working with top laboratory service centers that are not testing COVID-19 to avoid the risk of contagion for candidates.
Hiring teams can still attract and fully vet top talent for the duration of COVID-19 when relying on diligent and reliable background screening professionals.
Disclaimer Statement: All information presented is for information purposes only and is not intended to provide professional or legal advice regarding actions to take in any situation.
Sources
(1) https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/a-how-to-guide-for-hiring-during-and-after-the-covid-19-pandemic-2020-04-14
2) https://www.law360.com/articles/1252836