Should I outsource my background screening?

When it comes to running a business, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is whether to keep your operations in-house or outsource them. Both options have their pros and cons, and the choice you make will depend on a variety of factors such as your budget, the size of your company, and the nature of your business. In this blog post, we’ll explore the differences between in-house and outsourcing background screening and help you decide which option is best for your business. 

This article will delve into the pros and cons of outsourcing employee background screening and help you determine if it's the right solution for your company.

The importance of employee background screening

When it comes to background screening, you have two options: in-house or outsourced. In-house background screening is when you conduct the screening process yourself, while outsourced background screening is when you hire a third-party company to do it for you. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice you make will depend on your specific needs and resources.

Before diving into the outsourcing discussion, it's essential to understand the importance of employee background screening. Conducting thorough background checks helps businesses in several ways:

• Ensuring workplace safety: Verifying a candidate's background can help protect your employees, customers, and assets by identifying potential risks such as criminal history or substance abuse.
• Maintaining compliance: Several industries are subject to regulatory requirements for background checks, such as healthcare, finance, and education. Conducting proper background screenings helps organizations stay compliant.
• Reducing turnover: Comprehensive background checks can reveal potential red flags that may lead to employee turnover, such as a history of job-hopping or poor performance.
• Protecting company reputation: Hiring the wrong person can damage your company's reputation. Thorough background screening helps ensure that new hires are a good fit for your organization and its values.

In-house employee background screening vs outsourced background screening

In-house background screening can be more cost-effective in the long run since you won’t have to pay for third-party services. It also gives you more control over the process and allows you to tailor it to your specific needs. However, it can be time-consuming and requires a significant investment in technology and personnel.

Outsourced background screening, on the other hand, can save you time and resources since the third-party company will handle everything for you. It also provides access to specialized expertise and technology that may not be available in-house. However, it can be more expensive than in-house screening and may not provide the same level of control over the process.

The Pros of Outsourcing Employee Background Screening

Outsourcing background checks can provide several benefits for your company:

• Access to expertise: Background check providers specialize in conducting thorough screenings and staying up-to-date with the latest laws and regulations. Their expertise can help you ensure accuracy and compliance in your hiring process.
• Time and cost savings: Outsourcing background checks can save your HR team valuable time, allowing them to focus on other important tasks. In addition, outsourcing may be more cost-effective than hiring and training additional in-house staff.
• Technology and resources: Background check providers often have access to advanced technology and resources, enabling them to conduct screenings more efficiently and effectively.
• Customized solutions: Outsourcing providers can tailor their services to meet your organization's specific needs and requirements.
• Improved candidate experience: Outsourcing the background check process can lead to faster results and a smoother experience for your job candidates.

The Cons of Outsourcing Employee Background Screening

Despite the potential benefits, outsourcing background checks may not be the right choice for every organization. Here are some potential downsides to consider:

• Loss of control: Outsourcing background checks means relying on a third-party provider. This can lead to a loss of control over the process and potential delays in receiving results.
• Data security concerns: Sharing sensitive candidate information with external providers can expose your company to potential data breaches.
• Hidden costs: While outsourcing may initially appear more cost-effective, hidden fees and charges can add up over time.
• Quality concerns: Not all background check providers are created equal. If you choose a low-quality provider, you may receive inaccurate or incomplete results.

Factors to Consider When Deciding to Outsource

If you're contemplating outsourcing employee background screening, consider the following factors:

• Your company's size and industry: Larger organizations or those in highly regulated industries may benefit more from outsourcing due to the complexity and volume of background checks required.
• The quality of your current background screening process: If your in-house process is not delivering accurate, timely results, outsourcing could be a viable solution.
• Budget: Carefully evaluate the costs of outsourcing versus maintaining an in-house team. Keep in mind the potential savings in time and resources that outsourcing may provide.
• Data security: Ensure that any potential outsourcing provider has robust data security measures in place to protect your company's sensitive information.

Selecting the Right Background Check Provider

If you decide that outsourcing employee background screening is the right solution for your company, take the following steps to choose the best provider:

• Research: Conduct thorough research on potential background check providers. Look for reviews, testimonials, and case studies to gain insight into their reputation and quality of service.
• Experience: Choose a provider with experience in your industry, as they will be more familiar with the specific regulations and requirements that apply to your business.
• Compliance: Ensure that the provider follows all relevant laws and regulations, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and any industry-specific requirements.
• Customization: Select a provider that offers customizable solutions to meet your company's unique needs and preferences.
• Technology: Evaluate the technology used by the provider, as advanced tools can lead to more efficient and accurate background checks.
• Customer support: Opt for a provider that offers excellent customer service and is responsive to your needs and concerns.

Integrating Outsourced Background Screening into Your Hiring Process

Once you've selected a background check provider, consider the following steps to successfully integrate their services into your hiring process:

• Establish clear communication channels: Ensure that both your HR team and the outsourcing provider understand their roles and responsibilities in the background screening process.
• Develop a consistent process: Create a standardized procedure for initiating and receiving background checks to ensure consistency and accuracy.
• Monitor performance: Regularly review the performance of the outsourcing provider, including turnaround times and the quality of results. Address any issues promptly to maintain an efficient hiring process.
• Stay informed: Stay up-to-date on the latest background check regulations and best practices to ensure ongoing compliance and effectiveness.

Conclusion

Outsourcing employee background screening can offer numerous benefits, including cost savings, access to expertise, and improved candidate experience. However, it also comes with potential drawbacks, such as loss of control and data security concerns. To determine if outsourcing is the right solution for your company, carefully consider factors such as your organization's size, industry, and current screening process.

If you decide to outsource, take the time to select a reputable and experienced provider that meets your company's specific needs. By integrating outsourced background screening effectively into your hiring process, you can help ensure that your organization hires the best possible candidates while maintaining compliance and protecting your company's reputation.