The Importance of Background Checks: Protecting Your Workplace

In a competitive hiring landscape, the need to protect your organization from risk and make informed decisions has never been more critical. Background checks play a vital role in safeguarding workplace safety, verifying candidate integrity, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. In this article, we explore the real-world value of background checks, highlight key statistics, examine common scenarios, outline the different types of checks, and demonstrate how GalleryHR’s solutions help organizations stay protected and compliant.

Why Background Checks Matter

According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), 70% of employers conduct background checks on all job candidates. This is not just a routine formality, it’s a proactive measure to:

• Mitigate the risk of negligent hiring

• Verify a candidate’s professional history

• Ensure regulatory compliance

• Create a secure and trustworthy work environment

 

Key Statistics:

• 1 in 5 job applicants have a criminal record (Source: FBI)

• 60% of employers have discovered discrepancies in applicant credentials (Source: CareerBuilder)

• Conducting background checks can reduce the risk of workplace violence by up to 50% (Source: ASIS International)

 

Workplace Scenarios: When Background Checks Could Have Made the Difference

Scenario 1: Financial Theft

A company skips the background check for a mid-level finance hire. Months later, financial discrepancies arise—only to reveal the employee had a prior conviction for embezzlement.

Scenario 2: Unsafe Driving

A logistics company hires a delivery driver without checking their driving record. After a costly on-the-job accident, it’s discovered the driver had a suspended license and a history of reckless driving.

Scenario 3: False Credentials

A candidate claims a prestigious degree from a well-known university. A background check later reveals the degree was never completed, casting doubt on their credibility and integrity.

Types of Background Checks Employers Should Consider

1. Criminal Background Checks

Reveal arrests, convictions, warrants, and pending charges.

2. Employment Verification

Confirm job titles, dates of employment, and reasons for leaving.

3. Education Verification

Verify degrees, certifications, institutions, and dates of graduation.

4. Driving Record Checks

Review licenses, infractions, DUIs, accidents, and license validity—especially for roles involving company vehicles.

5. Identity Verification

Confirm candidate identity and flag inconsistencies in official documentation.

6. Credit Checks (as applicable)

Used for financial roles to assess fiscal responsibility (must comply with applicable laws).

Legal and Compliance Considerations

While federal law does not mandate background checks for all industries, many sectors require them due to safety and compliance standards:

• Healthcare: Required for all patient-facing roles to ensure patient safety.

• Education: Required for all faculty, staff, and volunteers in contact with children or minors.

• Transportation & Logistics: Mandatory for drivers and vehicle operators.

• Finance & Banking: Often required for roles involving money handling, fraud detection, and regulatory oversight.

Background checks must also comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which governs how checks are conducted, how results are disclosed, and how applicants can dispute findings.

GalleryHR’s Background Check Services

At GalleryHR, we offer comprehensive and customizable background check solutions designed to help HR teams hire with confidence:

✅ Comprehensive Screening Packages

Our services cover criminal history, employment and education verification, identity validation, driving records, and more.

✅ Customizable Screening Tiers

Choose screening levels based on role type, seniority, or industry. Build templates for repeat hiring needs.

✅ Fast Turnaround Times

Get accurate results within 24–48 hours, accelerating time-to-hire without compromising on diligence.

✅ Full FCRA Compliance

Our process ensures all legal requirements are met—from consent to adverse action communication.

✅ Seamless Integration

GalleryHR’s background check tools integrate with your existing ATS and onboarding workflows, streamlining the process.

Conclusion

Background checks are more than just due diligence—they are an essential safeguard for protecting your people, your reputation, and your long-term success. With rising risks of credential fraud, workplace misconduct, and negligent hiring, organizations must prioritize secure, compliant, and efficient screening processes.

GalleryHR empowers HR leaders with the tools to hire smarter, reduce risk, and build a culture of trust.

Ready to enhance your hiring strategy with smart, reliable background check solutions? Let’s talk.

 

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