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What is workplace crime and how does it affect your organization?
The debate on labor crime often focuses on low wages and poor working conditions from rogue employers. But according to a report from the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce, workplace crime linked to organized crime from criminal networks has increased significantly. These criminal actors infiltrate both private companies and public actors to finance their activities, which has grown into a major and costly problem in Sweden, according to the authors.
This type of crime leads to increased costs for businesses and has a negative impact on the economic stability of the country, according to the report. For employers, this means an increased risk of fraud, theft and other illegal activities, which in turn can damage the company’s reputation and trust with customers and partners.
Background checks on employees are the solution
To counter the risks of workplace crime, background checks during recruitment can be an important tool. According to Södertälje municipality, background checks on employees and new recruits have stopped criminal organizations from infiltrating municipal workplaces.
By conducting thorough checks, employers can ensure that reliable and qualified people are hired. This can reduce the risk of recruiting people with a background of unethical or criminal behavior. Background checks can also help promote a safer working environment, where employees can feel secure.
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When conducting a background check, it is important to consider the privacy of candidates. You should always inform the candidate that a background check will be done. The GDPR and other data protection laws require employers to handle personal data responsibly. It is also important to be transparent with candidates about what data will be checked and why.
In Sweden, background checks are governed by several laws and regulations, the two most important being the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and the Discrimination Act. These rules are central to ensuring that background checks are carried out in a legal and ethical manner, while protecting individual rights and preventing discrimination.
The check should always be proportionate to the service. As an example, a background check for a bank clerk may be different from one for a forklift driver, depending on the role and responsibilities. For some positions, such as healthcare workers, an enhanced background check may be necessary, while for others a simpler check such as an ID check and criminal record check will suffice, providing a good basis for hiring.
Examples of checks to choose from:
A background check can include many different types of background checks. Here are some examples by sector:
Financial sector
- Identity check
- Credit check
- Check of PEP, sanctions list and adverse media
- Verification of criminal records
Healthcare
- Healthcare
- Identity check
- Verification of work experience
- Verification of education and diplomas
- Verification of criminal records
Transportation sector
- Identity check
- Verification of driving license
- Criminal record check
How background checks can protect your company’s reputation and provide peace of mind
With background checks on final candidates, companies can ensure that they are hiring reliable and qualified people. This creates a safer working environment and reduces the risk of illegal activities, which can improve your company’s reputation and increase customer confidence. Background checks can also help identify potential risks at an early stage, allowing the company to take action before problems escalate.
Risks of hiring without background checks
- Risk of high costs in case of wrong recruitment
- Increased risk of fraud and theft
- Unsafe working environment
- Deterioration of company culture
- Damaged reputation and loss of trust
Opportunities of hiring with background checks
- Reduces the risk of fraud and theft
- Improves company reputation
- Creates a safer working environment
- Increases customer confidence
- Identifies risks at an early stage
Validata – your partner for national and global background checks
Validata offers comprehensive background checks that help you and your company protect against labor crime. Our check process is fast and efficient and everything is done in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, such as GDPR. Validata has extensive experience in conducting background checks both nationally and internationally. Do you need help creating a safe and reliable work environment? We are your supplier for background checks in Sweden and globally. Book a private demo with our account manager to familiarize yourself with our background check software and the entire process.
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