Protecting Hospitality Businesses: Compliance Management Software for Safety
Don't let your hospitality business become the next headline for compliance failures. Manage your compliance process with streamlined HR software solutions to steer clear of costly fines and reputation damage.
Background Check Violations leading to Hospitality fines
In 2018, a hotel in Melbourne was fined $20,000 for failing to conduct background checks on its employees. The hotel had hired a chef who had a history of violence and sexual assault. The chef was eventually charged with assaulting a guest at the hotel.
In 2020, a restaurant chain in Sydney was found to have hired several employees who had criminal records for theft and fraud. The restaurant chain had not conducted background checks on these employees, and as a result, they were able to steal money from the restaurant and from customers.
In 2022, a bar in Brisbane was fined $15,000 for failing to conduct background checks on its employees. The bar had hired a bartender who had a history of drug use and violence. The bartender was eventually arrested for assaulting a customer at the bar.
These unsettling incidents showcase that compliance is not an option but a necessity in the hospitality industry. While these stories serve as grim reminders of non-compliance, they don't have to be your narrative. By embracing proactive compliance measures and conducting accurate criminal background checks, you can safeguard your business, protect your employees, reassure your customers, and shield your reputation.
Adopting a Smart- Tech Solution
As we've learned from these compliance failures, background checks are the crucial first step before hiring an employee. It's understandable why compliance sometimes fails in this fast-paced industry with high employee turnover. The sheer volume of checks needed can range from criminal history, international police checks, work rights checks, to many others. It can be daunting for hospitality recruitment managers to dedicate the time to review each of these checks for their employees. Waiting for check results can also be tempting to skip when immediate staffing needs arise, and check responses are prolonged.
Adapting smart tech solutions, like WorkPro, can help businesses through offering a single digital platform that can conduct all background checks. With WorkPro being government accredited the check results have approximately a one-day turnaround, making the hiring process even easier.
The platform can effectively handle a lot of background checks for various types of hospitality businesses, whether they're big, medium-sized, or small and have diverse staff. WorkPro, for example, has previously completed 16,300 work rights checks nationally for KFC, demonstrating its ability to quickly verify information for fast-paced workplaces.
When adapting any new compliance software, businesses should evaluate all the benefits they can get from their chosen system. The difference with WorkPro extends far beyond background checks. Some additional capabilities to assist hospitality management through the platform are:
1. Regular Updates: Compliance regulations evolve continuously. WorkPro ensures that background checks stay up to date with the latest guidelines and regulations. It also sends reminders for expiring documents, keeping your business vigilant about existing compliance.
2. eLearning Training Solutions: WorkPro offers a wealth of resources for employee training, including eLearning modules and eBooks on work health and safety. Training on topics like Work Health and Safety and anti-bullying address common issues in the hospitality industry, enhancing compliance and safety, while saving time on manual training.
3. Licence, Ticket, and Document Management: WorkPro's platform includes the management of licences, tickets, and documents. This feature is particularly valuable in an industry like hospitality, where specific licences, such as a clear to work RSA, are essential for many roles.
In the high-stakes world of hospitality, where guest satisfaction is paramount, compliance should never be sidelined. The tales of violence and damage in numerous hospitality businesses serve not just as reminders, but warnings to the risks of noncompliance. Prioritising compliance isn't just a smart business decision; it's a moral obligation.
