Volume V
4th Quarter 2004

Food Marketing Institute 2004 Human Resources Training & Development Conference

By Nick Fishman employeescreenIQ hosted an exhibit at the Food Marketing Institute Human Resources/Training and Development Conference held in New Orleans in September. Attendees at this show were upper level Human Resource Executives who work for, or own grocery chains across the country. The Conference is held annually to address many different topics that affect HR executives in this ever-changing industry. employeescreenIQwas pleased to meet with a number of attendees and learn about their needs, current screening activity and past experience with screening services. Listed below are some key, non-scientific, findings from those conversations.

  • 75% of attendees currently utilize some form of screening on their job applicants

    Of the 25% that are not currently screening, two reasons were predominant:

    1) They feel that their company is a family business and there is already a high level of familiarity with area job candidates

    2) They are prevented from screening due to union-related or contract issues

  • A number of attendees indicated that screening has now become a major issue due to Wal-Mart’s recent decision to conduct screening

  • Many attendees felt that their screening methods required improvement

  • Many attendees indicated that they did not feel comfortable that they were receiving/requesting all of the information necessary to execute an effective check

  • Most attendees that currently screen indicated that they only check full-time employees

  • Many characterized their workforce as “high turnover” and think that as the economy grows, their labor pool will shrink

Overall, employeescreenIQ enjoyed a valuable exchange with FMI Members and looks forward to becoming a trusted industry voice on this topic.