This survey analyzes the latest trends in background screening based on insights from the Background Screening: Trends in the U.S. and Abroad Report (2021). The survey was conducted by the PBSA (Professional Background Screening Association) in collaboration with HR.com and its hr.research institute. It provides a snapshot of global screening practices, highlighting critical areas of focus, methodology, and industry shifts.
Key Findings
1. Global Popularity of Background Screening
- 93% of organizations worldwide conduct background checks.
- Among organizations with U.S. locations, 95% perform background screening, compared to 79% of organizations without U.S. locations.
2. Primary Motivations for Background Checks
- Protecting employees and customers (76%) was the top reason for conducting background checks globally.
- Improving the quality of hires ranked second (52%), followed by protecting company reputation (41%).
3. Common Screening Practices
- Criminal Background Checks: Conducted by 94% of U.S. organizations, compared to 75% internationally.
- Non-Criminal Background Checks: Slightly more common outside the U.S. (79%) than within (75%).
4. Timing of Background Checks
- In the U.S., 73% of organizations conduct background checks after extending a conditional offer.
- Outside the U.S., checks are often conducted post-interview but pre-offer.
5. Social Media: A Growing Focus
- 36% of organizations without U.S. locations are considering adding social media screening, compared to 14% of U.S. organizations.
6. Recurring Background Checks
- Globally, 19% of organizations perform ongoing checks. Among these, 67% prioritize recurring criminal background checks.
Best Practices and Future Directions
- Expand Screening Scope: As globalization continues, organizations are increasingly hiring candidates from diverse regions, necessitating robust international screening capabilities.
- Balance Speed with Accuracy: Employers rank accuracy (83%) and speed (58%) as top considerations for selecting screening providers.
- Integrate with Modern Tools: Leveraging technology for seamless integration with applicant tracking systems (ATS) enhances efficiency.
Conclusion
The survey underscores the growing importance of background screening in today’s global workforce. By understanding these trends and incorporating best practices, organizations can build safer, more productive workplaces while maintaining compliance and fairness.
