The world still has a long way to go when it comes to gender equality in the workplace. But we have reached some remarkable milestones along the way. From days when women were not seen as people who could hold respectable jobs to having 32 women as CEOs of Fortune 500 companies as of 2017, the perception of women in the corporate world is steadily improving. With the number of women in the workforce increasing at an exponential rate, what can companies do to ensure their safety? The answer to this is thorough background verifications.
A strict and non-compromising background screening process is needed now more than ever. According to a 2015 study by Pew Research Centre, as much as 52.2 percent (more than half) of professional and managerial positions are held by women. In 1968, the number was just 30.6 percent. This impressive increase shows that with the right environment, women are as qualified, effective and efficient as men in the professional world.
Also Read: 10 Ways to Mitigate Risk with Employee Screening Services
An exhaustive background check, as mentioned before, is an effective way to take steps towards women’s safety and security in the workplace. With an improved hiring procedure and background verification, women will not only feel safer in their work environment, they will be able to contribute more and function better without having to worry about their safety, resulting in an increase in productivity. How thorough background checks can increase women’s safety at workplace Below are the various aspects of background verifications that need to be greatly enhanced so your organisation can help in creating a safe environment for your women employees.
· Criminal Records check
Regardless of the position you are hiring for, your company’s background verification process must include criminal records check. Whether for an entry-level position or a C-level executive position, criminal records check is a must. You will become aware of any violent, dishonest or legally unacceptable behaviour, including sexual offence from the applicants, and this could have a huge impact on his or her eligibility for the position. Criminal Records check has a successful track record of uncovering cases of sexual harassment at workplace, ensuring that the such hires can jeopardise women safety at your workplace! Without a criminal records check in your organisation’s background screening process, you are putting the safety of every employee, especially women employees at risk.
· Police Verification
Your organisation’s background verification process should always include police verification. Every detail of any potential employee must be sent to the respective police station for cross-checking their criminal backgrounds. It is then sent to the local intelligence unit (LIU) under the respective SP for purposes of re-verification. This entire process can take approximately a month.
In case your company’s own criminal background check missed out any relevant detail, it will be brought to your attention through police verification. This procedure can help tighten your company’s background verification, making it safer for women employees.
· Drug abuse check
Drug Abuse Test is a must for any company’s background verification process. Did you know that in India, as much as 3 million people are regular drug users? The most commonly used drug among the workforce is marijuana, followed by cocaine. With such a huge number of people being dependent on drugs, drug abuse check is a necessary step for any organisation’s background verification procedure. Even though it is not legally required, it is highly recommended that every company screens potential employees as well as present employees for substance abuse. This will help in creating a safer, more secure work environment for every employee, especially women employee within an organisation. To know more, schedule an appointment with one of our experts today.
