Why Background Checks Matter in the Gig Economy
Whether it's called the gig economy, on-demand work, freelancing, or something else, non-traditional employees are challenging traditional hiring structures, and many employers are scrambling to ensure HR policies and procedures to accommodate these changing patterns of work. Deciding when and how to perform background checks for these often transient or temporary employees is an important concern.
What Does Gig Economy Mean?
The gig economy complements traditional employment structures with freelancers or independent contractors whose work is typically coordinated or fully completed online. Hallmarks of the gig economy are flexibility and adaptability for both employers and their gig workers. These varied jobs can include everything from delivery and rideshare drivers to writers, editors, digital assistants, tutors, and personal trainers.
Different Background Checks for Different Gig Workers
As an employer, hiring gig workers comes with changes to traditional hiring processes. While employment verifications (I-9s) aren't required for gig workers, job candidates must still be approved for hiring. Part of that approval process, especially for certain types of gig work, should include background checks, including:
- Driving Record Screenings. Many gig jobs involve delivery, driving, and rideshare services, often with direct customer contact. Checking driving records is a safeguard against reckless or unsafe drivers.
- Criminal Background Checks. Gig workers who will be in customers' homes, such as handymen, healthcare workers, and cleaners, as well as those with passengers should all be checked for criminal activity to improve safety.
- Social Media Screening. Professional social media screenings are an effective way to check for red flags, such as hate speech, violence, or other undesirable characteristics, and are suitable for all gig workers.
- Drug Screening. Gig workers, especially those who may work on longer-term projects, or those in jobs with additional safety concerns, should be subject to the same drug screening requirements and policies as traditional employees.
- Additional background screenings should be considered to suit individual job and company needs.
Background checks for gig workers must be performed in compliance with all of the privacy and employee protections provided for traditional employees, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and the Drivers Privacy Protection Act.
Solutions for Gig Workers from Employers Reference Source, Inc.
At Employers Reference Source, Inc., we've provided employers with speedy, professional background screening services for over 30 years, for traditional and gig workers alike. Contact us today to take advantage of our complete screening and hiring solutions.
