Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) focuses on equality in organizations to achieve fair employment. EEO advocates for equality regarding employment practices on aspects such as onboarding, training, termination of contracts, and general career progression.
Equal Employment Opportunity inhibits employers from discriminating against individuals based on their characteristics when granting employment opportunities or any other decision around the employment contract.
The characteristics of people have nothing to do with their ability to work in an organization. However, organizations and employers may still base their employment criteria on discrimination. EEO laws come in handy to advocate for equality.
What is EEO?
Equal Employment Opportunities refer to the laws and regulations related to the fair treatment of employees within an organization or company. The EEO laws are anti-discriminatory and stipulate that it is illegal to base employee qualification on anything other than merit. Violation of the EEO laws can attract heavy penalties and litigation and soil an organization’s reputation.
Some of the acts which protect against discrimination in employment include:
- The Americans with Disability Act
- The Age Discrimination in Employment Act
- The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act
- The Employment Nondiscrimination Act
- The Civil Rights Act
Employment Discrimination
EEO laws cover discrimination against individuals in employment. The biases can include:
- Denial of Reasonable Accommodation for differently abled people
- Workplace Harassment based on gender, color, genetic information, sexual orientation, race, age, disability, and nationality
- Unequal Treatment
- Inappropriate Questions regarding genetic information
Why is Equal Employment Opportunity Important?
Organizations need to embrace equal employment opportunities as it has essential benefits both internally and to the growth of the business externally. Additionally, equal employment opportunity can help organizations avoid penalties under laws that some states may have against employment discrimination. So, what good does equal employment opportunity do for your organization?
1. Promote Productivity
EEO laws improve employee interaction and engagement between people of different races, gender, religion, and even hierarchy within the organization. The refrain from discrimination boosts productivity from each individual within the workspace.
2. Promote DEI Culture
Organizations that comply with EEO laws also promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Employers who are not discriminatory regarding employment create a diverse workforce for their organization.
3. Fosters Innovation and Creativity
Equal Employment Opportunity enables organizations to have a diverse workforce, increasing innovation and creativity within the workplace. An organization that does not discriminate against individuals based on their characteristics has access to a broader pool of talent, meaning there are diverse ideas on every aspect of work.
4. Improve Organization Profits
Modernity has made people cautious of the brand they engage with regarding product and service purchases. When dealing with brands, people consider their values instead of blindly purchasing their products. As such, organizations need to embrace such cultures as DEI and EEO.
Work with Applied Development LLC to Embrace Equal Employment Opportunities
At Applied Development LLC, we can help you build strategies to create a more diverse and inclusive work environment that promotes equity. We champion the rights of people of all abilities to work and communicate effectively.
Our diversability services range from sign language interpretation to reader services to advocacy and outreach. Want to learn more about Equal Employment Opportunities?
Contact us online or call us at 410.571.4016. Our team will be ready to answer any queries you may have.
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