2025 was a landmark year that shifted the focus from simple data collection to building deep workforce trust. As we step into 2026, the landscape of background screening is undergoing another transformation, driven by advanced automation and a renewed appreciation for human expertise.
For businesses looking to build resilient, agile and high-integrity teams, understanding these shifts is essential to staying ahead of the curve.
2025 in Review: From Snapshots to Continuous Monitoring
The past year saw a move away from the traditional “one-and-done” background check. Instead, employers began embracing real-time, event-driven monitoring. This shift recognises that risk isn’t static; it can change at any point during an employer’s lifecycle.
In 2025, the industry also grappled with:
- System Instability: A rise in outages across court websites and databases highlighted the vulnerability of purely automated workflows.
- The Demand for Transparency: Clients now expect clear, line-item transparency regarding third-party fees and data sources.
- The Rise of Responsible AI: While AI dominated discussions, the market rewarded solutions that prioritised explainability – proving not just what the result was, but how it was reached.
Looking Ahead to 2026: Automation Meets Oversight
As we look at the 2026 predictions, one theme is clear: Automation will accelerate, but human oversight will be the differentiator.
While AI is now a “standard bar” for speed in tasks like CV parsing and initial data retrieval, the strongest screening strategies in 2026 will be those that balance machine efficiency with a trained “human touch”.
Why the ‘Human’ Touch Matters: Algorithms are excellent at processing vast amounts of data, but they often struggle with nuance. Trained professionals remain essential for:
- Identifying Loopholes: Humans can spot subtle inconsistencies or “red flags” in a candidate’s history that automated systems might miss.
- Defensible Decision-Making: In a regulated environment, decisions must be auditable. Having a professional review edge cases ensures that hiring decisions are fair, ethical, and legally sound.
- Contextualising Data: A machine can flag a record, but a human expert understands the context, distinguishing between a clerical error and a genuine risk.
Navigating New Talent Segments
2026 is also expanding the market to segments that traditional models often overlook. This includes global remote teams, gig-economy workers, and roles requiring highly specific cybersecurity credentials. These groups require screening that is more portable, adaptable, and responsive to the mobility of the modern workforce.
Strategy for Success: Integrating Expert Screening
At EmployInsight, we understand that “time is money,” especially for Temporary Employment Services (TES) providers like Phakisa Holdings. By integrating rigorous, expert-led screening into your recruitment process, you can:
- Reduce Interview Fatigue: Stop wasting time on unsuitable candidates by identifying the right talent early.
- Improve Retention: Better-matched candidates lead to longer, more successful placements.
- Solidify Reputation: Consistently providing high-quality, verified staff builds trust with your clients.
The goal for 2026 is to move beyond simple screening results and toward creating a workforce trust experience. By combining the speed of modern technology with the irreplaceable insight of trained professionals, your business can build a foundation of integrity that lasts.
Ready to optimise your workforce with data-driven, human-verified screening? Contact Phakisa Holdings today for reliable staffing solutions, or explore EmployInsight’s comprehensive assessment tools to unlock the power of trusted data.