How AI-Powered Background Screening Solutions Support SMBs
SMB operators are looking to digitize even more of their hiring and onboarding processes so they can continue to fulfill critical needs in a new way
Editor’s note: This guest post is courtesy of our partner, Checkr
As the COVID-19 situation takes shape and settles in, those focused on small business operations have been hit especially hard. Small business owners and operators are working — in the midst of confusion, stress, and alarm — to transform operations to focus on delivery and e-commerce. While physical doors are closed, many are scrambling to find new, creative, and innovative ways to keep their virtual doors open.
For the health and safety of employees and customers, small business owners have started to think through virtual operational efficiency. Restaurants and coffee shops have shifted to delivery or to-go orders. Gyms and boutique fitness studios are helping keep members active through online personal training and virtual classes. Meanwhile, boutique clothing and goods shops are doubling down on e-commerce efforts.
Because of social distancing, SMB operators are starting to consider how to digitize even more of their hiring and onboarding processes so they can continue to fulfill critical needs in a new way.
Each of these new distribution mechanisms, while unexpected, has brought room for innovation and a new kind of operational excellence. As this transition happens, small businesses must act fast in order to put these new structures in place. SMB operators must quickly figure out if some of their workforces can be transitioned to delivery drivers, online fulfillment specialists, or virtual brand ambassadors. Operators must also look at gaps in their current workforce and find the talent they need to make the transition (at least temporarily) to a remote small business.
Digitizing the hiring and onboarding process
Because of social distancing, SMB operators are starting to consider how to digitize even more of their hiring and onboarding processes so they can continue to fulfill critical needs in a new way. They’re exploring interview video calls, digital-only job applications, and more modern background screenings. Moving candidates through the hiring and onboarding process faster than ever will help SMB operators continue to help support customers in new ways— including everything from online training and tutoring to fulfilling e-commerce orders.
SMBs looking to hire quickly in order to meet changing customer needs may be impacted by court closures due to COVID-19, which can significantly slow background check reports. Other courtrooms utilize electronic records, so the data retrieval process will not be slowed. Checkr is covering close to 90% of the country through electronic records right now. For up-to-date information on courtroom closures and how that impacts background checks, refer to this resource.
SMBs looking to hire quickly in order to meet changing customer needs may be impacted by court closures due to COVID-19, which can significantly slow background check reports.
Transitioning staff to delivery drivers? Run a MVR
Restaurants transitioning staff members to delivery drivers should run a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) on them before they start driving as a part of their job. MVR reports can help identify individuals with unsafe driving records, to help SMBs assess the risk of potential future and current employees becoming delivery drivers. An MVR is a report of driving history, as reported from the state Department of Motor Vehicles or similar government entity which issues driver licenses. While this may vary from one state to the next depending on local reporting practices, information reported in MVRs includes driver’s license status and class, violations, convictions, restrictions, and other information related to driving records and credentials.
Regardless of if an SMB is hiring for a brand-new type of role or running MVR reports on current employees, now more than ever, it is important your candidates and employees have a positive experience with their background screening. Offering candidates help through an easy-to-access portal, clear ways on how to provide additional clarification on their screenings, and a team of experts to help with any questions may come up are important ways to care for your team in this stressful time.
Checkr is a partner of Zenefits, and offers customers access to AI-powered background screening solutions to support and SMBs during this time. As a background screening provider for leading companies across multiple industries, including the gig economy, Checkr has experience running MVR reports and traditional background screenings on hundreds of thousands of drivers each year. Their hope is an increased efficiency and productivity in your hiring and onboarding process through modern, digital background checks can help you focus more on the health and safety of your family and employees.
