The National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS) commissioned HR.com to conduct an unprecedented national survey of 2,137 human resources professionals to gauge their views on background screening.

Results are in as employers of all sizes and locations report using background screening as part of their onboarding process. Nearly all respondents stated they conduct backgrounds checks of some kind, with a majority saying they screen both part-time and full-time employees. The results demonstrated that nearly all human resources professionals now utilize background screening, citing public safety as their top priority.

The number one challenge reported continues to be the length of time in getting results. An increased number of respondents stated that the length of time to get results is the most significant challenge facing their organization when conducting background screens – 65 percent this year versus 62 percent in 2017.

In the 2018 survey, human resources professionals reconfirmed their focus on accuracy with 98 percent stating that the accuracy of their background screenings is “very important.” This percentage was consistent with last year’s survey. At the same time, an increased number of respondents stated that the length of time to get results is the most significant challenge facing their organization when conducting background screens – 65 percent this year versus 62 percent in 2017.

The full results of the survey are expected to be released over the next month.

View highlights of the survey here.