In employment law, what does "negligent hiring" refer to?

Negligent hiring refers to the practice of failing to conduct adequate background checks and screening processes when bringing a new employee on board. This concept arises from the responsibility employers have to protect their workplace and clients from potential harm caused by an employee's actions. If an employer hires someone without properly vetting their past employment history, criminal record, or other relevant information, they may be considered negligent if that employee subsequently engages in harmful or reckless behavior.

This is particularly relevant in cases where an employee's position involves significant trust, such as in education, healthcare, or roles that involve handling money or sensitive information. In such scenarios, the employer could be held liable for any harm caused by the employee, as it can be argued that the employer should have known about the individual's propensity for problematic behavior through a more rigorous hiring process. This highlights the importance of conducting thorough background checks to avoid hiring individuals who could pose a risk to others.

The other choices do not encapsulate the concept of negligent hiring. For example, failing to promote employees properly pertains to internal management practices rather than hiring decisions. Providing inadequate training relates to the onboarding process but is separate from the decision-making involved in hiring. Misclassifying employees concerns the classification of workers for taxation and labor law purposes