SHRM Survey Says Reference Checking Helps ID Poor Performers

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) has released their 2005 Reference Checking Survey. Among their findings:

• 96% of organizations conduct some kind of reference or background check
• 40% of HR professionals over the past three years report spending more time on reference checking
• 52% of survey respondents say they outsource part of their reference checking or verification
• 73% of respondents believe reference checking is somewhat/very effective in identifying poor performers

Because of liability fears, 54% of organizations do not provide references when asked. At the same time, 75% of HR pros say they would share more about their former or current staff if they were protected from liability.

More details online at SHRM.org