The Biggest Hiring Challenges in 2022
A recent survey conducted by Ogletree Deakins indicates what is probably no surprise to many employers — hiring and retention represent the biggest challenge employers currently face. While background checks won't necessarily make your employees more satisfied, they can make you more satisfied with your employees.
What Are Employers' Biggest Hiring Challenges?
While dozens of factors contribute to difficulties in hiring and retention, most employees cite pay, job satisfaction, flexibility, safety, and work-life balance as primary influences. Survey results indicate the most common employer responses are increasing pay, providing hiring and retention bonuses, and improving benefits and wellness offerings.
How Background Checks Promote Employee Retention
A small percentage of employers (around 16% of respondents) report relaxing or eliminating background screenings, pre-employment drug testing, and educational requirements. While these solutions may yield short-term results, they are unlikely to develop an effective workforce for most organizations. Rather than eliminating employee screenings, more effective use of screening tools may help to ease the challenges of hiring and retention, such as:
- Select screenings best suited to your industry and requirements.
- Achieve better fits for your team or company culture with reference checks and social media screening to help choose candidates who most likely mesh with your current team, and to catch potential red flags.
- Utilize education and credential verifications to better predict performance and effective hiring choices.
- Take advantage of criminal, drug, and social media screenings to improve workplace safety and employee satisfaction.
Adhering to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) & Other Laws
Many employers are concerned about making sure their background checks, especially if performed in-house, are in compliance with the FCRA, "Clean Slate", and other applicable laws. These are important concerns, and failure to abide by these regulations can expose your organization to liability. Working with an experienced, professional background screening company can simplify the process and ensure legal compliance, freeing your hiring team for other tasks.
At Employers Reference Source, Inc., our expert screening services are designed to help you choose, hire, and keep the best possible employees. Contact us today to explore our full range of background checks and employment tools and services.

