Pre-employment screening-4 WC blog 419
Background Check Company-3
Be A Trainer And A Mentor To A Young Worker But Use Pre-Employment Screening To Aid In Sound Hiring Decisions
There can be challenges in hiring young people to work for you and some employers are reluctant to even try. They may say that they have no experience or that the young people aren’t mature enough to handle the responsibilities that come with the job, especially in retail. What are some of those challenges? Younger employees may be more prone to use their smart phones while working. They may tend to call out frequently especially when their friends are going to go out somewhere like a Friday night football game or a dance, etc. They may not dress appropriately for an interview. Maybe they don’t conduct themselves well in an interview. What if they decide to steal while working for you or give merchandise to their friends? All of these could be legitimate concerns but I would argue that they could be concerns you can have with older workers too. Rather than avoiding hiring young people, it would be a better option to conduct pre-employment screening to help hire the best candidates.
Pre-employment screening is conducted by a background check company specializing in validating a prospective employee’s application and resume. They may also look at a person’s personal history that is open, public information. For example, a criminal history report can be reviewed or a driving record can be researched. Some credit history information is accessible to certain companies and individuals. Much of this information is useful for determining the compatibility of a candidate for a business. In what way? Well, if an applicant has a checkered credit history it might not be a good idea to hire them for a cashiering position. Someone with too many traffic tickets may be a poor fit for a position that requires someone to drive a company vehicle. A nursing home center may want to do a more in-depth search on sex offender registries to ensure the safety of patients in their care. Hiring someone for a position and then learning about their past due to a safety or security issue puts a business owner at risk for a lawsuit.
Can a background check company make a difference when it comes to hiring young people with little or no work experience? It can still be useful to run a pre-employment screening for these applicants even with the lack of work history. You may still find out about driving history or in some situations a serious criminal history. A juvenile’s criminal record may not be able to be researched due to protections for minors but serious crimes could show up if they are treated as adults. A reputable background check company knows what information they may legally obtain and takes precautions to avoid breaking laws that could violate an individual’s rights.
All of that said I believe that everyone needs an opportunity to get experience and it is in that first job that a store owner or manager can make a huge impact on a young worker. You may not have thought about it but you can be a mentor to someone in their first job. Yes, it may take a little bit more of your time and some extra effort but you have a chance to teach valuable life lessons to someone in their first job. Consider that you can teach that young person that every job serves a purpose and to take pride in it. Whether it is mopping a floor or emptying trash cans the tasks need to be done. Failing to do so and not doing it properly makes the store look bad and customers won’t want to shop there. Even as a Loss Prevention Manager, when I saw our store outside trash can overflow I would empty them rather than let that be the first impression our customers would see. You can teach them how to provide great service to all customers, the nice ones as well as the rude ones. All of these lessons can be carried with them throughout their lives to make them productive workers and good citizens.
Take a chance on hiring a young person (in addition to experienced workers) and be a powerful influence in someone’s life. Use pre-employment screening to help protect your interests in the process of giving a helping hand to a new worker.
For more information about pre-employment screening contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
There can be challenges in hiring young people to work for you and some employers are reluctant to even try. They may say that they have no experience or that the young people aren’t mature enough to handle the responsibilities that come with the job, especially in retail. What are some of those challenges? Younger employees may be more prone to use their smart phones while working. They may tend to call out frequently especially when their friends are going to go out somewhere like a Friday night football game or a dance, etc. They may not dress appropriately for an interview. Maybe they don’t conduct themselves well in an interview. What if they decide to steal while working for you or give merchandise to their friends? All of these could be legitimate concerns but I would argue that they could be concerns you can have with older workers too. Rather than avoiding hiring young people, it would be a better option to conduct pre-employment screening to help hire the best candidates.
Pre-employment screening is conducted by a background check company specializing in validating a prospective employee’s application and resume. They may also look at a person’s personal history that is open, public information. For example, a criminal history report can be reviewed or a driving record can be researched. Some credit history information is accessible to certain companies and individuals. Much of this information is useful for determining the compatibility of a candidate for a business. In what way? Well, if an applicant has a checkered credit history it might not be a good idea to hire them for a cashiering position. Someone with too many traffic tickets may be a poor fit for a position that requires someone to drive a company vehicle. A nursing home center may want to do a more in-depth search on sex offender registries to ensure the safety of patients in their care. Hiring someone for a position and then learning about their past due to a safety or security issue puts a business owner at risk for a lawsuit.
Can a background check company make a difference when it comes to hiring young people with little or no work experience? It can still be useful to run a pre-employment screening for these applicants even with the lack of work history. You may still find out about driving history or in some situations a serious criminal history. A juvenile’s criminal record may not be able to be researched due to protections for minors but serious crimes could show up if they are treated as adults. A reputable background check company knows what information they may legally obtain and takes precautions to avoid breaking laws that could violate an individual’s rights.
All of that said I believe that everyone needs an opportunity to get experience and it is in that first job that a store owner or manager can make a huge impact on a young worker. You may not have thought about it but you can be a mentor to someone in their first job. Yes, it may take a little bit more of your time and some extra effort but you have a chance to teach valuable life lessons to someone in their first job. Consider that you can teach that young person that every job serves a purpose and to take pride in it. Whether it is mopping a floor or emptying trash cans the tasks need to be done. Failing to do so and not doing it properly makes the store look bad and customers won’t want to shop there. Even as a Loss Prevention Manager, when I saw our store outside trash can overflow I would empty them rather than let that be the first impression our customers would see. You can teach them how to provide great service to all customers, the nice ones as well as the rude ones. All of these lessons can be carried with them throughout their lives to make them productive workers and good citizens.
Take a chance on hiring a young person (in addition to experienced workers) and be a powerful influence in someone’s life. Use pre-employment screening to help protect your interests in the process of giving a helping hand to a new worker.
For more information about pre-employment screening contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
HOW TO DETAIN A SHOPLIFTER AND THE IMPORTANCE OF CHECKPOINT TAGS
So, you have a shoplifting problem in your store. You’re not sure exactly what to do about it. You’re using Checkpoint Tags on your product, but the criminals are still running rampant. You’re frustrated, annoyed, and frankly, pretty angry. You’re about two days away from snapping a shoplifter in half. Does this sound like you? If it does, you’ve come to the right place. You need some guidance on how to physically confront and handle a thief.
First things first. What I’m going to lay-out for you should be a guide. Not every store is the same and not every line here may mesh well with your particular store set up. I simply want to share with you my decade of work in the Loss Prevention field in order to help you with your shoplifting problem. Since the majority of my time has been spent in clothing retailers, that’s the examples I will draw upon, but this guide can be applied across any industry that sells things to the open public. So when I use a term for Clothing Security, just image the types of things you can apply that to in your particular store. Now, that’s out of the way, let’s get down to business.
First, take a good look at the product you carry, and the losses you are experiencing. Focus your resources on the top losses in your store. You’ll get the most return on your investment this way. Before every season, I beef up my Clothing Security strategy on what was a high loss item last year, and what will most likely be trending this year. That’s your defense. You have to have a defense; otherwise you’ll like the 2016 Saints. Now let’s go to offense.
It’s 4pm and you notice Billy-Bob hovering around some high end jackets. You notice that he appears more interested in the Checkpoint Tags than the actual jacket. So, being such a savvy manager, you walk over, you greet Billy-Bob and offer to help him find the right size. Well, Billy-Bob says he’s got in under control and walks away with that $400 jacket. You’re intuition tells you something isn’t right, so you keep a good close watch of Billy-Bob as he finds a nice, secluded section of your store.
From your vantage point, Billy-Bob can’t see you, but you have the best view in the house. You watch as Billy-Bob rips off the Checkpoint Tags that you so carefully placed and just as fast, tucks the jacket into his waistline. What do you do? You can either approach him right now and get your stuff back, or you can have him arrested for stealing. A slap on the wrist does not work with these people, so your answer should be “send him to jail!”.
What you want to do is what for Billy-Bob to leave the store completely, that way he can’t argue that he was still going to pay for it. Once he passes your last register and makes it out of the door, then there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that Billy-Bob had full intention of stealing from you. Once Billy-Bob does make it outside, use reasonable force to detain him until the police arrive. Remember the word REASONABLE. Often, it’s as easy as asking the suspect to simply turn around and come back into the store. Don’t get into an all-out brawl with a shoplifter. It’s never worth it.
Once the police arrived, you can explain what happened. Be sure to remain professional, even with the adrenaline flow. Explain that you watched Billy-Bob defeat your Clothing Security device and conceal product and leave the store. ALWAYS press charges. Words spreads fast in the criminal world that you don’t mess around and the more people you send to jail, the smaller the target becomes on your store.
Need information on Checkpoint Tags? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
So, you have a shoplifting problem in your store. You’re not sure exactly what to do about it. You’re using Checkpoint Tags on your product, but the criminals are still running rampant. You’re frustrated, annoyed, and frankly, pretty angry. You’re about two days away from snapping a shoplifter in half. Does this sound like you? If it does, you’ve come to the right place. You need some guidance on how to physically confront and handle a thief.
First things first. What I’m going to lay-out for you should be a guide. Not every store is the same and not every line here may mesh well with your particular store set up. I simply want to share with you my decade of work in the Loss Prevention field in order to help you with your shoplifting problem. Since the majority of my time has been spent in clothing retailers, that’s the examples I will draw upon, but this guide can be applied across any industry that sells things to the open public. So when I use a term for Clothing Security, just image the types of things you can apply that to in your particular store. Now, that’s out of the way, let’s get down to business.
First, take a good look at the product you carry, and the losses you are experiencing. Focus your resources on the top losses in your store. You’ll get the most return on your investment this way. Before every season, I beef up my Clothing Security strategy on what was a high loss item last year, and what will most likely be trending this year. That’s your defense. You have to have a defense; otherwise you’ll like the 2016 Saints. Now let’s go to offense.
It’s 4pm and you notice Billy-Bob hovering around some high end jackets. You notice that he appears more interested in the Checkpoint Tags than the actual jacket. So, being such a savvy manager, you walk over, you greet Billy-Bob and offer to help him find the right size. Well, Billy-Bob says he’s got in under control and walks away with that $400 jacket. You’re intuition tells you something isn’t right, so you keep a good close watch of Billy-Bob as he finds a nice, secluded section of your store.
From your vantage point, Billy-Bob can’t see you, but you have the best view in the house. You watch as Billy-Bob rips off the Checkpoint Tags that you so carefully placed and just as fast, tucks the jacket into his waistline. What do you do? You can either approach him right now and get your stuff back, or you can have him arrested for stealing. A slap on the wrist does not work with these people, so your answer should be “send him to jail!”.
What you want to do is what for Billy-Bob to leave the store completely, that way he can’t argue that he was still going to pay for it. Once he passes your last register and makes it out of the door, then there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that Billy-Bob had full intention of stealing from you. Once Billy-Bob does make it outside, use reasonable force to detain him until the police arrive. Remember the word REASONABLE. Often, it’s as easy as asking the suspect to simply turn around and come back into the store. Don’t get into an all-out brawl with a shoplifter. It’s never worth it.
Once the police arrived, you can explain what happened. Be sure to remain professional, even with the adrenaline flow. Explain that you watched Billy-Bob defeat your Clothing Security device and conceal product and leave the store. ALWAYS press charges. Words spreads fast in the criminal world that you don’t mess around and the more people you send to jail, the smaller the target becomes on your store.
Need information on Checkpoint Tags? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
Bug Tag-3 WC Blog 431
Tablet theft -5
Emergency Room Revolution From Paper To Computer Tablets; Protection Of Patient Information Must Be A Priority By Using A Bug Tag
It is remarkable to me how things have changed within the medical care industry. I remember a time when I had to take our son to the emergency room because he got a styrofoam pellet from a bean bag chair lodged in his ear. Before I could have an emergency room doctor examine him I had to complete several pages worth of paperwork just to admit him. I had to do the same thing a few years later when he cut open his chin after a spill he took in our double baby stroller. In both instances it bothered me that it seemed there was more concern over getting the paperwork filled out than to see the patient and get him taken care of. A few days ago I had my own visit to the emergency room of the same hospital. There was a stark difference in how I was served some 20+ years later than when we took our son. The paper was one sheet and I was soon taken in to see a doctor. Only a few minutes after that a nurse came by with a computer tablet on a rolling cart and a keyboard and screen and completed my admission paperwork! I didn’t have to sit and fill out all of that cumbersome information myself. Of course, as I looked at the set up I did wonder what would prevent a tablet theft by a dishonest person. I could not see anything that secured the tablet or iPad to the cart.
How can medical tablet theft or iPad theft be prevented in a hospital or clinic? Is it truly a problem to be concerned about? Let’s address the second question first. Medical tablet theft is a concern as it can lead to compromised patient data. To prevent it from occurring a Bug Tag can be attached to a mobile device and an electronic article surveillance (EAS) pedestal set up at doorways to those areas you don’t want a tablet to be carried out of. The tag has an adhesive that holds it to the device and a tamper alarm that ensures no one can pry it off and steal the device. The Bug Tag also emits a radio frequency wave that acts in conjunction with the EAS pedestal. When a tagged unit is carried too close to a pedestal an alarm built into the pedestal is set off and personnel can respond and recover the iPad or tablet.
As for the question as to whether a medical tablet theft would be a major concern, it certainly would be. Any stored patient data could be used for fraudulent purposes. Personal information including names, addresses and so on could be on a device and accessible by a hacker. It is possible that extracted information could then be sold or used to create fraudulent identification. If enough patients have their identity stolen a report has to be filed with DHHS and potentially large fines may be levied against the institution. This isn’t strictly a matter of cost to the institution it is a matter of loss of trust on the part of clients.
So back to the medical tablet that was in the emergency room where I had to visit. I provided my information as requested by the nurse. I gave my name, address, age, social security number and date of birth (all of the information a criminal could want, right?). Additionally, I was asked about past surgeries, allergies to medications I might have, any prescriptions or medications I was currently taking and who my family doctor is, if I have one. I thought about the questions and wondered to myself what someone with bad intentions could do with all of that information if they were to get their hands on that tablet. My wondering was cut short when the doctor came in to treat my ailment.
Is my information safe and secure? I have to hope so. From what I observed in that E.R., at first glance it appeared there could be a tablet theft by someone brazen enough to try it. I could be wrong but if a Bug Tag had been on that tablet I would have felt much better about the security of that device and my information.
Get more information on the Bug Tag, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.
It is remarkable to me how things have changed within the medical care industry. I remember a time when I had to take our son to the emergency room because he got a styrofoam pellet from a bean bag chair lodged in his ear. Before I could have an emergency room doctor examine him I had to complete several pages worth of paperwork just to admit him. I had to do the same thing a few years later when he cut open his chin after a spill he took in our double baby stroller. In both instances it bothered me that it seemed there was more concern over getting the paperwork filled out than to see the patient and get him taken care of. A few days ago I had my own visit to the emergency room of the same hospital. There was a stark difference in how I was served some 20+ years later than when we took our son. The paper was one sheet and I was soon taken in to see a doctor. Only a few minutes after that a nurse came by with a computer tablet on a rolling cart and a keyboard and screen and completed my admission paperwork! I didn’t have to sit and fill out all of that cumbersome information myself. Of course, as I looked at the set up I did wonder what would prevent a tablet theft by a dishonest person. I could not see anything that secured the tablet or iPad to the cart.
How can medical tablet theft or iPad theft be prevented in a hospital or clinic? Is it truly a problem to be concerned about? Let’s address the second question first. Medical tablet theft is a concern as it can lead to compromised patient data. To prevent it from occurring a Bug Tag can be attached to a mobile device and an electronic article surveillance (EAS) pedestal set up at doorways to those areas you don’t want a tablet to be carried out of. The tag has an adhesive that holds it to the device and a tamper alarm that ensures no one can pry it off and steal the device. The Bug Tag also emits a radio frequency wave that acts in conjunction with the EAS pedestal. When a tagged unit is carried too close to a pedestal an alarm built into the pedestal is set off and personnel can respond and recover the iPad or tablet.
As for the question as to whether a medical tablet theft would be a major concern, it certainly would be. Any stored patient data could be used for fraudulent purposes. Personal information including names, addresses and so on could be on a device and accessible by a hacker. It is possible that extracted information could then be sold or used to create fraudulent identification. If enough patients have their identity stolen a report has to be filed with DHHS and potentially large fines may be levied against the institution. This isn’t strictly a matter of cost to the institution it is a matter of loss of trust on the part of clients.
So back to the medical tablet that was in the emergency room where I had to visit. I provided my information as requested by the nurse. I gave my name, address, age, social security number and date of birth (all of the information a criminal could want, right?). Additionally, I was asked about past surgeries, allergies to medications I might have, any prescriptions or medications I was currently taking and who my family doctor is, if I have one. I thought about the questions and wondered to myself what someone with bad intentions could do with all of that information if they were to get their hands on that tablet. My wondering was cut short when the doctor came in to treat my ailment.
Is my information safe and secure? I have to hope so. From what I observed in that E.R., at first glance it appeared there could be a tablet theft by someone brazen enough to try it. I could be wrong but if a Bug Tag had been on that tablet I would have felt much better about the security of that device and my information.
Get more information on the Bug Tag, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.
