Page 12 - KZN Business Sense Nkosenhle Hlophe eBook 9.5

THE POWER OF BACKGROUND CHECKS

he manufacturing, on an applicant’s resume care are magnified. Leaders are and making them feel valued. between organisations and
retail, financial services, and assist HR professionals accountable for the well-being of their stakeholders. Preventing
The people hired within a
T communications, mining, in determining whether an their employees, the satisfaction business are a direct reflection and mitigating irregularities,
agriculture, and tourism individual is the right fit for the of their customers, and the of the organisation. They are a fraud, and corruption through
sectors are key contributors to job. HR professionals recognise impact of their organisation on brand’s ambassadors, and they due diligence at all levels of a
South Africa’s gross domestic the significance of these society at large. show customers, partners, and business can free organisations,
product both in terms of checks in not only verifying Trust is critical in the clients what a business stands enabling them to enhance their
economic output and as job candidates’ credentials but employment relationship, for. Therefore, background products and services, foster
employers. In today’s dynamic also in identifying potential irrespective of the seniority checks ensure that a business growth, and make a positive
business landscape, where risks that could hinder of the position in question. hires people who can uphold impact on South Africa’s
leadership and organisational leadership development and Employers need to be able to an organisation’s values and economy as a whole.
transformation are crucial for transformational initiatives. trust their people to do their expectations. Here, social By leveraging SearchWorks,
success, conducting thorough Finding and managing jobs and to treat colleagues media screening is a critical HR professionals can
employment and supplier talent for an organisation is a and customers with respect component of a thorough make well-informed hiring
background checks plays a responsibility that is both time while representing their brand background check and can give decisions that align with
pivotal role, says Sameer and resource-intensive. Making with dignity. But how does an insights into characteristics their organisation’s values
Kumandan, Managing Director a poor hiring decision is more employer screen the integrity such as the individual’s work and expectations, propelling
of SearchWorks, an innovative than a costly mistake. It results and reliability of a potential ethic, personal values, and leadership transformation and
data platform that allows in lost time and expenses due candidate? And how in-depth beliefs. It can also identify key ensuring a trustworthy work
users to conduct live, accurate to the need to recruit and train should this kind of screening be? risk areas based on content, environment. Through diligent
searches on individuals and another candidate and has the such as racism, homophobia, background checks, companies
companies and in-depth know unintended consequence of For dedicated HR hate speech, illegal activities, can effectively mitigate risks,
your client checks online. dampening employee morale professionals, background disclosure of confidential safeguard their reputation, and
and productivity. And the more checks are a critical part of the information and dishonesty. drive successful leadership and
In high-value segments of the hiring process. Fortunately,
economy, it’s clear why each senior the position, the higher it’s no longer necessary to At a broader level, robust and organisational transformation
sector becomes a target for the stakes become. manually check every fact or ethical leadership is vital if endeavours. 
various forms of malfeasance When health and safety qualification. All it takes to South Africa wants to improve
– ranging from deceptive regulations require an run a thorough background its economic position. To T: +27 (0)86 034 0000
suppliers and tender fraud individual to have specific check on any individual is a few achieve this, it’s necessary to E: info@searchworks.co.za
to dubious job applicants. qualifications to access a clicks. The results empower HR strengthen good governance W: www.searchworks.co.za
Background checks reduce a workplace, embellishing or professionals to make well- practices. Complete and
company’s risk for reputational falsifying information is not informed hiring decisions and accurate information enables
damage and criminal activities a white lie, but a significant allow them to focus on growing better, more transparent
such as fraud and theft. They risk. In leadership positions, the business, building positive decision-making, which in
can also verify information the responsibility and duty of relationships with employees turn can create greater trust

IS YOUR WORKPLACE FIRE SAFE?

hile most workspaces In order to assess your If you are unsure of any of these No two companies are the ■ Employees must have a basic
will never experience workplace readiness for a fire, the answers or you have neglected same and each company will understanding of how to
Wa fire, even a small fire following questions are a good your workplace fire safety, now is have to develop their own contain the fire (such as
has the possibility of getting out place to start: the time to get fire safe. individual checklists to ensure knowing to keep doors and
of hand very quickly and could ■ Have you had a fire safety Regular fire safety all the objectives are met. It is windows closed as far as
easily turn into an emergency. The inspections provide business important that all the risks are possible.
last thing you want is the wrong inspection at your premises? owners, employees, and customers identified and that high-risk
fire equipment, equipment that is ■ When last was your fire areas such as flammable liquid To make sure you have done all
not in proper working order, or equipment checked and tested? peace of mind that the workplace stores, waste collection areas you can to ensure your workplace
is safe and that all necessary
worried employees who have no ■ Who is trained to use this measures are in place to minimise and hot work activities receive is as fire safe as possible, usually
fire safety plan to follow. equipment? any risks of damage or harm. special attention. means calling on an experienced
As a business owner in South ■ Is your electrical wiring, They also identify areas where In addition, suitable and professional team that you
can trust.
Africa, you’re legally obliged to equipment or appliances in businesses can improve their fire employees need to be appointed
provide a safe workplace for all good condition? safety measures to create a safer to act as fire fighters in the Spot-On Fire Controls (Pty) Ltd
your employees, which includes ■ Do you have an approved environment. There are possibly workplace. They will be is a Level 1 BBBEE fire protection
the provision of firefighting evacuation scheme? specific fire safety requirements responsible for performing company servicing businesses in
equipment and safety rules to for different areas of your basic firefighting functions in KwaZulu-Natal. The company has
ensure the ongoing protection of ■ What are the latest fire workplace. Knowing that you the event of a fire emergency 33 years of credible experience
your employees. regulations? have the correct fire equipment occurring. Employees must in fire protection services. Its
at the ready for a fire in those be instructed on how to use expertise includes all aspects of
varying locations is critical. firefighting equipment and fire protection as well as provides
These inspections may also be given clear guidelines firefighting training, which
recommend additional equipment regarding fire precaution. provides their clients with peace-
or procedures to enhance safety, Furthermore, the following of-mind knowing that their assets
such as adding smoke detectors or are covered. 
improving evacuation routes. safety measures are required:
■ Notices on fire safety and For more information contact:
The following important points Lungani Nene
should be included in a fire procedures must be displayed T: +27 (0)73 388 8247
inspection: clearly in the event of a fire on E: info@spotonfirecontrols.co.za
site.
■ Floor plan diagrams ■ Regular fire drills must W: www.spotonfirecontrols.co.za
■ Emergency fire equipment be conducted to ensure that
■ Fire exit doors employees know how to react
■ Fire hose reels and where to go in the shortest
■ Fire extinguishers time possible in case of a fire.
Employees must know how to
■ Fire blankets ■ notify emergency services.
■ Fire hydrants

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