At KENTECH, tracking these six essential metrics can transform your staffing operations by streamlining the background check process, reducing time to placement, and strengthening your competitive position in the industry. In a market with nearly two open positions for every unemployed worker, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ May 2023 report, staffing firms are in high demand but face intense competition for talent. According to Bullhorn’s Global Talent Trends Report, the talent shortage is a top challenge for agencies in 2023.
Efficiency in hiring processes is critical to keeping clients satisfied. Even minor slowdowns can lead to delayed starts and dissatisfied customers. Identifying bottlenecks, particularly in the background check phase, allows you to fine-tune recruiting processes and accelerate placements.
Here are six key metrics every staffing firm should measure, including how to track them and why they’re vital to your success:
Metric 1: Turnaround Time
Turnaround time refers to the total time required to process a background check, from the candidate’s consent to receiving final results. Tracking turnaround times for each client and background check type helps set realistic expectations and identify potential delays.
How to track:
By client
By background check package
By type of search (e.g., national criminal check, employment verification)
Understanding these timeframes enables you to adjust expectations, keep candidates informed, and resolve bottlenecks, leading to faster placements.
Metric 2: Time to Complete
This metric measures the time it takes from initiating the background check to receiving the candidate’s consent. Delays here can often be attributed to poor communication or outdated processes.
How to track:
By client
By position
By background check package
By location
Implementing mobile-first platforms and automated systems can help reduce time-to-complete by making it easier for candidates to provide consent.
Metric 3: Number of Background Checks
Too many checks can waste time and resources, while too few can put your clients at risk. Finding the right balance between thoroughness and efficiency is key.
How to track:
Types of checks for each client
Percentage of checks with clear results vs. hits
Percentage of canceled or expired screenings
Analyzing these numbers helps ensure you’re conducting the necessary screenings without overscreening, reducing time-to-fill.
Metric 4: Adjudication Results
Monitoring adjudication results helps you assess the efficiency of your background check process. Too many “ineligible for hire” results may suggest you need to adjust recruiting strategies or reevaluate your adjudication criteria.
How to track:
Hire
Ineligible for hire
Requires review
Streamlining adjudication through automated systems can reduce manual review times and improve overall efficiency.
Metric 5: Discrepancy and Dispute Rate
High rates of discrepancies or disputes can slow down your background checks and impact time-to-hire. Tracking discrepancies helps you identify common errors and adjust your processes to minimize them.
How to track:
Percentage of screenings with discrepancies
Discrepancies by screening component
Percentage of disputed results
Working with a provider that reduces input errors and disputes can accelerate the background check process and improve your placement times.
Metric 6: Productivity – Manual Processes vs. Automation
Evaluating how much time your team spends on manual background check processes can reveal opportunities for automation. Streamlining workflows allows you to place candidates more quickly and efficiently.
How to track:
Hours spent on manual processes (e.g., guiding candidates, reviewing results)
Tasks that could be automated
By working with a modern background check provider, you can reduce manual labor and free up your team to focus on higher-value tasks.
Take the Next Step with KENTECH
Tracking these six key metrics helps you optimize your background check process and enhance your staffing firm’s efficiency. With advanced analytics and automation, you can streamline workflows, reduce manual efforts, and improve time-to-placement—giving your firm a competitive edge.
Choosing a modern, automated background check platform like KENTECH will ensure you can meet your clients’ needs quickly and accurately.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult your legal counsel to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
