Best Benefit Ever: Cheaper, Easier Background Checks

An association for independent businesses is making it easier for employers to ensure they’re making the right hiring decisions.

What’s the benefit? The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has partnered with Trak-1  (opens in a new tab), a company that helps employers bolster their screening process for possible new hires. The Trak-1 system screens for education and employment verification, criminal history, driving records, and so on. NFIB members receive a 50 percent discount on the $50 onboarding fee, a 34 percent savings on Standard Screening Packages, and more discounts in areas such as employment history and federal court records.

Why it works for members: Hiring is a complex, difficult process, and employers need to know that the information on the job application of a person they intend to hire is correct. But care must be taken when using background checks to screen employees; employers should always follow the standards established by the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act  (opens in a new tab) [PDF], which dictates screening conduct. Applicants have the right to request from any consumer reporting agency information about them that’s in their files, and they must be told if any information contained in agency files was used against them.

Other benefits: Along with the traditional suite of benefits, such as resources for members  (opens in a new tab) and events including webinars  (opens in a new tab)and  briefings with lawmakers  (opens in a new tab), NFIB has some outside-the-box offerings. One gives members a discounted lease or purchase  (opens in a new tab) of several 2013 and 2014 varieties of Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, and Fiat vehicles. Click here  (opens in a new tab) for a full rundown of NFIB member benefits.

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