HI,
We issue approx 300 new contracts a month and generally request 2 references per new hire. However, the response rate is only 19%, many references are factual only stating only the dates of employment. 6% of the 19% that responded were poor references. We have a 6 month probationary period where poor performers / attitude issues can be weeded out.
When considering how we could automate the reference process, we began to question the value of obtainng references versus the administrative chore it entails. As I understand it, there is no legal reason in our business why we would have to obtain employment references.
Interested to hear your views please. Sounds couter intuitive but ..
Do you think references are necessary / provide valuable information?
Would you conisder not requesting references at all?
Is the administrative element justified when considering the value of the information gleaned?
