Article
3 min read
Author
Michał Kowalewski
Published
March 22, 2024
Last Update
July 10, 2024
Table of Contents
What employers should know before running background checks in Greece
Are background checks legal in Greece?
What types of background checks are illegal in Greece?
Industries where background checks are common in Greece
Types of employee background checks in Greece
Background check mistakes to avoid in Greece
Step-by-step guide to employee background checks in Greece
Run employee background checks with Deel
Employee background checks should be an integral part of your hiring process in Greece. Although not mandatory, they are a common practice, especially in finance, banking, healthcare, education and IT positions.
Greece's evolving economy and robust education system make it an appealing destination for talent acquisition, particularly in sectors like technology and tourism. The workforce is known for its diverse skill set, cost efficiency, and strong English language skills, easing communication barriers. Hiring in Greece requires compliance with GDPR and local data protection laws, especially for background checks, which require explicit candidate consent.
Understanding these legal nuances is vital for compliant and effective recruitment processes.
In this article, you’ll learn:
An employee background check is the process of verifying a potential hire’s work history, education, professional qualifications, and any criminal records they might have. It’s particularly beneficial to run before finalizing an employment offer or signing a contract, ensuring the candidate meets the company's standards and requirements.
Running background checks in Greece requires employers to comply with the European Union’s privacy laws outlined in the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and Greece’s own Hellenic Data Protection Authority (HDPA).
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): As the cornerstone of privacy law in the European Union, GDPR establishes stringent guidelines for data protection and privacy for all individuals within the EU and the European Economic Area. It emphasizes the principles of data minimization, consent, and individual rights, granting people control over their personal data while imposing heavy fines on organizations that fail to comply.
Hellenic Data Protection Authority (HDPA): Serving as Greece's national authority, the HDPA is responsible for ensuring compliance with GDPR within Greece. It oversees the enforcement of data protection laws, providing guidance to organizations, handling complaints, and taking action against violations. The HDPA plays a crucial role in protecting personal data rights and fostering a culture of privacy and security.
Yes, employee background checks are legal in Greece, but they are subject to strict regulations.
Employers must adhere to the principles of legality, fairness, and transparency as outlined in the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and national laws. Consent from the candidate is often required, especially for checks that go beyond verifying professional qualifications and experience. Although it’s not specified in the law, written consent is recommended for documentation and compliance purposes.
In Greece, conducting background checks requires a respect for privacy that extends beyond simply needing a candidate's consent. Here's what's strictly off-limits:
Personal beliefs: Greek law prohibits accessing or using information related to an individual's political opinions, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation. This applies even if the candidate has accidentally included such information in their resume or cover letter
Going beyond job relevance: Collecting unnecessary personal details is a no-go. Information like marital status, number of dependents, or hobbies are irrelevant for most positions and shouldn't be included in a background check
Social media deep dives: While publicly available information on social media platforms can be reviewed, employers should avoid delving into private profiles. Scrutinizing a candidate's personal social media life goes against Greek privacy expectations. Focus on professional social media profiles that might be relevant to the specific job role (e.g., marketing positions)
Violating data privacy laws during employee background checks in Greece can result in severe legal consequences, much like in other EU countries under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
The GDPR stipulates a tiered system for fines depending on the severity of the infringement. Minor violations can incur fines of up to €10 million or 2% of the firm's global annual revenue from the previous financial year, whichever is higher. More serious breaches may result in fines of up to €20 million or 4% of the company's worldwide annual revenue from the previous financial year, whichever amount is greater.
An example of a company fined in Greece for data privacy violations is Cosmote Mobile Telecommunications. They were fined €6 million by the Hellenic Data Protection Authority due to a data breach that involved unauthorized access to customer data, including personal information of millions of users. This case highlights the importance of robust data protection measures and compliance with GDPR.
Background checks are prevalent across various industries in Greece, with particular emphasis in sectors where trust, integrity, and safety are paramount.
Effective employment screening in Greece covers essential aspects to evaluate a candidate's abilities. Knowing these areas helps employers tailor screening processes to meet job requirements and legal standards.
Type of check | Common in Greece? | Reason |
---|---|---|
Criminal record check | Common | Ensures the candidate has no prior criminal convictions relevant to the workplace |
Employment verification | Common | Validates the candidate's work experience, including positions held, duration of employment, and reasons for leaving previous roles |
Academic qualifications | Common | Confirms the candidate's educational credentials to ensure qualification for the position |
Credit check | Less common | Assesses the candidate's financial responsibility and integrity, particularly relevant for roles involving financial management |
Professional license verification | Common | Confirms the validity of any professional licenses or certifications held by the candidate |
Social media screening | Common | Reviews the candidate's online presence to assess their professional conduct and reputation (with consent and within legal boundaries) |
Whether you’re hiring employees or contractors in Greece, there are a few things you should avoid doing as an employer when it comes to background checks:
Employers looking to hire in Greece should follow the steps below to ensure legal, effective, and thorough employee background checks.
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After exploring various providers, it's clear that Deel is the best on the market. We were able to hire approximately 40 employees in the Philippines within a matter of months. Their background check process was easy and effective and made us feel safe about hiring in new markets. We're truly grateful for the opportunity to work with this team!
—Bree Cohen,
VP of Talent, Power Digital Marketing
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