Leveraging Employee Background Checks - EEOC Changes, FFCRA & Privacy Safeguards and Legal Considerations

Webinar Background :

A major challenge for all employers is the unprecedented surge in employment fraud, which not only slows down the pre-employment process but also exposes businesses to numerous long-term risks. To combat this issue, organizations should prioritize Employee Background Checks, extending their focus beyond just the hiring phase. Background checks have long been an essential tool for employers to screen out potentially risky candidates. However, failing to comply with updated regulations can lead to severe legal and financial repercussions. When conducted properly, the benefits of background checks far outweigh the time and resources invested. Effective screening reduces the risk of negligent hiring, which can result in regulatory breaches, substantial fines, and threats to workplace safety.

This training session will provide a comprehensive overview of the regulations set forth by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) regarding background checks. We will delve into the legal limitations, privacy concerns, and the use of social media in the vetting process. Additionally, we will explore recent trends, discuss the timelines involved, and address other pertinent areas of interest to ensure that your hiring practices are both effective and compliant.

Webinar Agenda :

• EEOC revisions on conducting background checks
• Reviewing updated legal limitations on background checks
• Pitfalls of Not Performing Background Checks
• Reviewing Privacy Restrictions and Statutory Limitations on the Use of Criminal Conviction
• The Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1991 and Other Anti-Discrimination Laws
• The Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act
• Understanding the Ever-Increasing Use of Ban the Box Laws
• Claims of Negligent Hiring and Negligent Retention of Employees
• Other Possible Common-Law Tort Actions
• Using Social Media Sites- Privacy Issues and Other Legal Restrictions on Use
• Case studies and Examples 

The importance of making the right hire on the first attempt cannot be overstated, especially considering the substantial costs involved in the hiring process. According to the SHRM Customized Talent Acquisition Benchmarking Report, the average cost to hire an employee is $4,425. This underscores the need for meticulous and effective background checks to ensure that only the most suitable candidates are brought on board. It is crucial that the regulations governing how these checks are conducted are crystal clear. 

About The Trainer : Joe Aitchison is HRComTraK Managing Principal and Senior Client Advisor. He provides Business & HR client advisory services and HR out-source services nationally.  He is a Human Resource professional with thirty years business management and HR consulting experience.  In addition to working with General Industry clients, he provides services to  multi plant International Tier I Automotive Manufacturing, Hospitality & Gaming, Retail and Food Processing Industries as well as legal, health care, benefit brokers and third party administrators. Mr. Aitchison is recognized as a leader in human resources and has obtained a lifetime certification as a senior professional in human resource management, SHRM – Senior Certified Professional and Healthcare Reform Specialist by the Healthcare Reform Center & Policy Institute. Mr. Aitchison has served on several for profit and not for profit boards.