Notes from the CEO: Hire securely this holiday season

School is back in session, and many employers are looking to their holiday hiring plans. Holiday hiring is always difficult, but never more so than when unemployment is down. Texas' unemployment rate is currently hovering at 4%, which will make this one of the most difficult holiday season to hire yet. However, employers must adhere to their hiring practices, because without quality employment screening and drug testing, you could create a less-than-desirable experience for your customers and potentially lose thousands in theft. 

Creating a quality experience for your customers is only possible when your employees are consistently trained and adhere to clear expectations for behavior. In some occupations, the safety of both your employees and customers depend on it. If you have a drug testing program in place, random testing is more important during the holiday season than ever. Merriment and parties are everywhere, and, conversely, depression rates are on the rise. This is a potent combination, and tends to lead to an increase in drug and alcohol abuse. Review your current policy, and ensure that all employees adhere to it by maintaining or implementing an onsite random drug test this holiday season. 

The second problem businesses see during the holiday season is a rise in internal (and external) theft during the holiday season, but this can be mitigated by a thorough employment screening program. According to one study, "retailers in the U.S. lost over $54 billion in total shrink (inventory and cash lost as the result of employee theft, shoplifting, vendor fraud and administrative error)." 40 percent of that was due to internal theft, and the holidays are a dangerous time for employers. Ensure that your newest team members have a record of integrity and honesty with their former employers with a background check. It typically takes less than 3 business days, but it could save you thousands in the long run. Avoid theft by knowing who's on your team before they have access to your assets this holiday season. 

📷: TLNT