Pros of a Polygraph Test for Employees

The purpose of a polygraph examination is to detect dishonest or evasive responses by monitoring a subject's physiological reactions to a series of questions. Physical responses to queries that are known to elicit dishonest answers, such as a faster heart rate, are recorded and used to determine the veracity of the responses.

The obvious benefit of lie detector testing employees is the elimination of dishonest workers, while a clear disadvantage could be legal action. Laws on the books at both the federal and state levels restrict the use of polygraphs in the workplace. Employers risk civil liability if they use polygraphs on their employees without following established guidelines.

It May Be Illegal

The Employee Polygraph Protection Act is a law that protects workers who submit to polygraph tests. A federal statute prohibits the use of polygraph tests by employers unless there is an active investigation into a loss having monetary worth, such as the disappearance of corporate records. Only a limited number of businesses are legally allowed to conduct polygraph examinations on potential employees. Companies in the security industry and the pharmaceutical distribution and retail sectors are also included (including armoured cars, alarm and guard).

There are very specific rules and regulations that must be followed in order for a polygraph to be legal. For instance, the examiner should be certified and bonded, or at least covered by professional liability insurance. Information gathered during a polygraph examination is similarly protected from disclosure under the Act.

Harms Employee Morale

An honest worker who is polygraphed may feel frightened and distrusted, which could have repercussions for the entire workplace. When employers deploy lie-detection software, it might make some workers uneasy or even angry.

If morale drops, productivity can fall down along with it. Dissatisfied workers are less productive and more likely to call out sick. Low morale in the workplace can be costly for employers since it can lead to higher rates of employee turnover.

Sets Expectations

The temptation for dishonest behaviour among employees may be reduced if the use of polygraphs is explicitly indicated in corporate policy as part of an anti-theft campaign. Employees who know they may be asked to take a lie detector test are more likely to always act truthfully in the workplace.

Candidates should be made aware of the prospect of polygraph testing before accepting a position; this will allow them to make an informed decision about whether or not to submit to the procedure.

Inaccurate Results

The American Psychological Association warns that polygraphs have the potential to yield contradictory findings. A trustworthy worker might have falsely flagged answers because she was nervous about taking the test and her body language was misinterpreted by the software. A false positive on a polygraph could lead an employer down the wrong route in an internal investigation and lead them to falsely accuse a good employee of wrongdoing. False charges can have a negative effect on morale and may even offer the employee a legal basis for a lawsuit against the employer.