Finding the right talent can make all the difference in a company’s success. But how do you ensure you’re selecting individuals who not only possess the necessary skills but also fit seamlessly into your company culture and contribute positively to the team?
This is where EmployInsight steps in. EmployInsight is a leading provider of employee risk management solutions, helping businesses make informed hiring and retention decisions and build a strong, productive workforce.
In the previous article, we asked EmployInsight some questions about their services and qualifications. In this part 2 of the interview we will be focusing on what are the benefits businesses gain by partnering with EmployInsight and what the future looks like for their company.
Benefits and challenges:
Q: From your perspective, what are the key benefits for employers to utilise a combination of psychometric testing and background screening?
A: We follow a Pre- and post-employment process where all available information is collated and integrated into a Human Risk Report which enables our clients, especially HR, to make better and more informed decisions. Research has shown that it is risky to only rely on one assessment instrument. We have successfully integrated manifested behaviour( manifested behaviour refers to previous and current behaviour in the world of work.) with psychometric test results. Our complete, holistic picture of the prospective employee takes the guesswork out and dovetails with HR processes.
Q: How do these services contribute to building a positive and productive work environment?
A: By employing the best or right candidate for the position the first time, you not only save money and time but you also add to your ROI by having a more productive workforce and higher performance. Another benefit of our service is that it also contributes to a safer workplace environment and supports company culture.
Q: Are there any ethical concerns surrounding these practices, and how do you address them?
A: This is a debate on its own but most importantly is that any background screening process should be reflected in the companies’ policies and procedures, it must be consistently applied and reviewed. By using an external screening company, you also guarantee objectivity and a professional service. Furthermore, prospective employees always give consent before we start with a Pre-employment process.
Q: How do you navigate the increasing legal complexity surrounding data privacy and discrimination in hiring?
A: Back to the previous question, if entrenched in company policies and culture and applied in a consistent manner, biases can be minimised.Instead of only doing interviews, which is the most subjective action being used, the same instruments are used with each candidate. All Psychometric tests are registered with the Health Professional Council and are thus reliable and unbiased Regarding POPIA, the rules are clear, and companies need to train and communicate regarding the do’s and don’ts of POPIA.
Q: What are some of the biggest challenges facing the background screening industry today?
A: In South Africa there is no regulator, standards are not set, and no clear definitions, etc. This enables any company to claim that they deliver a background screening service, by only doing a criminal record verification. This can make it difficult to compete in a market filled with cheaper, incomplete solutions.
Company and future:
Q: What sets your company apart from other competitors in this field?
A: Trust and our track record since 1995: A professional team and loyal clients who value our service.The only company in Africa and most of other countries that conducts psychometric testing as part of our Background Screening process and integrates both into a holistic profile of the candidate. We add value to our customers and prospective employees as this is the best and fairest process to follow. It is also the Screening Process that could mitigate human risk the most.
Q: What are your growth plans for the company in the coming years?
A: We are always investigating improvements, better products and aligning our service to client needs. We are investing in a marketing campaign as our niche in the market is not common knowledge. We also need to educate the market on Human Risk and the implications of human risk behaviour in any company. Human Risk Behaviour is directly connected to fraud, corruption, bribery, deviant behaviour, bullying, sexual harassment, low performance, dishonesty, etc. in the workplace. Positive Human Risk behaviour, like ethical behaviour in a business environment, is the first step to success.
Q: How do you see the roles of background screening evolving in the future of work?
A: To balance between the ever-increasing pressure to deliver faster vs a professional product. We are not a data provider and although our integrated product delivery is between 1 and 6 working days, it takes time to collate, verify and integrate all obtained information. Thus, the focus will be on more efficient technologies and to keep abreast with client demands and legislation.
Q: What are your key strengths and weaknesses as a leader in this industry?
A: We have a deep understanding of the industry’s best practices and emerging technologies. EmployInsight has strong leadership and knowledge, we adapt to market changes, build strong relationships with clients and stakeholders as it is crucial to our success. Additionally, we are committed to innovation, integrity and continuous improvement to be competitive in the market. Our Weakness is that we do not market our unique process to businesses.
Q: What excites you most about the future of your work?
A: The background screening industry is an ever-evolving industry. As the workforce becomes more global, international assessments become more common, with new challenges to data and referee access and more compliance. The possibility of more clients understanding the value of Employinsight’s Service offering and the fact that we have the best Pre-employment Process to mitigate fraud and corruption in our country. If only half of the businesses in our country follow our pre-employment process, they could soon be the most successful workforce in South Africa, a workforce with higher ethics, and less corruption.
