What is Employee Wellbeing? According to a 2017 study by HR.com, about 96 percent of employers conduct, at least, one form of background check on potential hires. This shows there’s no question about the values of these checks. However, how valuable are they? Background checks serve as a mechanism through which employers filter out the best candidates that will help the organization thrive.
But when it comes to maintaining employee wellbeing and health, what role do background checks play? Answering this question is important because any shrewd employer knows that the overall productivity of their company is highly dependent on the frame of mind of their employees.
That’s why they’re keen on creating a work environment that will boost employee health. Although the extent to which background checks affect employee wellbeing program and health is debatable (because it has an indirect impact), research has established that a positive correlation does exist. Better background checks improve employee wellbeing. Here are some ways through which it is achieved.
How To Improve Employee Wellbeing?
A Safe Work Environment Promotes Mental Wellbeing
One of the key responsibilities of employers wellbeing is providing a safe workplace environment . One way to ensure that is to bring in people that will maintain civilized behaviors at work.
A person who has been charged with multiple instances of violence is prone to engage in workplace fights. Such agitations distort the work atmosphere and affect the emotional being of those involved.
There are multiple instances of bosses sexually harassing their subordinates. In such scenarios, the victims may undergo emotional trauma, which reduces their Mental & overall Wellbeing.
Criminal history checks, in particular, can give employers insights into the past crimes of potential hires. This way, they can filter away candidates prone to violence or sexual harassment. By bringing in well-behaved individuals, a safe work environment can be enforced. This, in turn, ensures a healthy work environment.
Qualified And Collaborative Employees Undergo Less Stress
Great employers can make impactful contributions that will help their company thrive. On the other hand, bad or unqualified employees become a burden to everyone else as their colleagues have to cover up for their ineptitude. This creates lots of tension and stress that can have an impact on team members’ wellbeing. But by having well-qualified team members, everyone can pull in their weight, work collaboratively and make great strides.
Screening checks typically include employment and education verification, which is an indication of an applicant’s ability to perform effectively in their new role.
Employee Theft; A Threat To Livelihoods
Companies at the brink of bankruptcy or that are going through tough times pay little regard to the health and wellbeing of employees. Unfortunately, more than 30 percent of business bankruptcies are due to employee theft. Sabotaging employees is a threat to the workplace because their negative actions affect every other person in the organization. For instance, a dishonest employee that reveals a trade secret to a competitor or steals a large sum of money threatens the existence of their company, and in turn, threatens the livelihood of other employees in the organization.
A national police check through online services like the Australian national character check which is widely used by individuals and businesses throughout Australia will reveal applicants with a history of financial crime. Similarly, a credit history check will reveal applicants that are currently in a financially stressed situation. This information can help employers stay away from individuals that can ruin the company for their selfish gains.
Conclusion:
The research is crystal clear on this subject; background checks are correlated with the health and wellbeing of employees.