As we enter a new decade, one thing is for certain – the HR landscape is changing rapidly. In this past year alone, the employment world has seen major compliance changes, including criminal and salary history inquiry bans, shifting attitudes towards marijuana usage, and new methods for rescreening or monitoring existing employees.  These changes are creating both obstacles and opportunities for HR professionals.

Let’s revisit the ESS blogs that resonated most with our readers in 2019:

Significant Changes to Background Consents

In February, the Ninth Circuit court released its decision regarding disclosure forms under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). With this ruling, states located within the Ninth Circuit using a disclosure provided under the FCRA must not contain any state‑related disclosures. Since other federal appellate courts may follow suit, a prudent employer will want to double-check its consent forms to confirm the disclosure is standalone.

 

3 Common Background Screening Misconceptions

The background check is a crucial step in the pre-employment process. Still, some companies overlook or minimize the value when it comes to screening potential new employees or monitoring their existing workforce. This piece debunks common screening misconceptions, helping to guide employers in reexamining their programs before 2020.

 

Can Social Media Derail Your Perfect Job Candidate?

Analyzing social media profiles is becoming a popular screening method as hiring managers look to gain the most complete picture of their potential and current workforces. Review this article to understand the process of social media screening and how it can complement your screening solutions in the coming year.

 

Can Secondhand Marijuana Smoke Cause Positive Drug Tests?

As marijuana legalization spreads, concerns regarding the potency of secondhand exposure to THC have grown. In this piece, we answer a common drug testing question – will I produce a positive drug screen if I’m around someone who smokes marijuana?

 

CBD Oil and the Impact on Drug Tests

Cannabidiol (CBD) has become the hottest product in the alternative medicine market. Extracted from the hemp plant, CBD should only contain extremely low levels of THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana, but many users worry it will affect their ability to pass a drug test. This article investigates this concern, and the impact CBD products may have on drug testing programs as their popularity expands.

 

Is it time for you to rethink your background screening program?  At ESS, we’ve been helping clients for more than 25 years design, execute, and manage smart and effective screening programs.  Contact us at solutions@es2.com for more information.