EMEA businesses show strong support for AI and automation in background screening processes.
- Over 90% of enterprises in EMEA express comfort with AI tools aiding in screening tasks.
- Reducing human error and speeding up processes are top reasons for AI integration.
- Many EMEA firms see AI as enhancing accuracy and the candidate experience.
- Cost savings, though valued, rank lower than accuracy and speed for AI use in screenings.
The predominant sentiment among businesses across the EMEA region reflects a widespread acceptance of artificial intelligence and automation in enhancing the background screening process. An overwhelming majority, exceeding nine out of ten enterprises, have conveyed their comfort with the utilization of these technologies by screening providers. This consensus is captured in a comprehensive survey conducted by a leading background screening service provider, tapping into insights from over 1,250 HR, risk, and talent acquisition professionals worldwide. Their feedback highlights a growing recognition of AI and automation as instruments to elevate both efficiency and diligence in background screening.
Survey findings indicate that reducing the risk of human error stands prominently as a key benefit appreciated by 83% of respondents. The ability of AI to expedite screening operations is another significant advantage, supported by 79% of participants. This technological adoption is not merely about speed; it fundamentally enhances the precision and reliability of screening reports, effectively addressing the ever-present challenge of human error.
Among the additional advantages, enhancing the candidate experience is noted by 64% of EMEA respondents as a valuable outcome of AI application. By streamlining workflows and accelerating processes, AI technology contributes to a smoother and more responsive interaction for candidates undergoing screening. Though cost savings are recognized, with 48% of respondents considering them beneficial, they are deemed less crucial than improvements in accuracy and efficiency.
Marc Sharma, Director of Engineering for Applied Machine Learning at the surveying company, emphasized the critical role of maintaining human oversight within AI workflows. He remarked, “Given the sensitivity of the data we handle, none of our planned process workflows can be considered a standalone AI system that automates employment decisions. Instead, we use a hybrid, and well-known, ‘Human in the Loop’ type system.” The hybrid approach serves to balance technological capabilities with essential human judgment and control, ensuring robust and trustworthy screening outcomes.
The survey underscores a remarkable shift in priorities, with accuracy now ranking as the foremost consideration for 72% of EMEA respondents, a notable increase from previous figures. Speed and cost considerations, previously more prominent, have seen a decline in significance. This changing landscape underscores a broader global trend where varied regional discrepancies highlight distinct screening challenges, such as employment history verification in EMEA and undisclosed criminal convictions in North America.
The increasing reliance on AI and automation in background screening is reshaping industry priorities toward accuracy and efficiency.
