The Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Act, implemented by the Federal government, applies to private employers, labor organizations, employment agencies, and educational institutions under states and Federal governments. In this article, we briefly discuss the benefits, rights and responsibilities under the EEO Act.

1. The Equal Employment Opportunity
(EEO) Act – Benefits, Rights and
Responsibilities

2. The Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Act,
implemented by the Federal government, applies to
private employers, labor organizations, employment
agencies, and educational institutions under states and
Federal governments. In this article, we briefly discuss
the benefits, rights and responsibilities under the EEO
Act.

3. EEO – Equal opportunities and benefits to all
employees
Equality with respect to employment opportunities is a
fundamental right and must be implemented for every
aspect of work life. Equal opportunity encompasses
equality in access to jobs, promotions and other
opportunities in associations, corporations and nonprofit
organizations.
The EEO Act protects employees and job applicants
against discrimination on the basis of an individual’s
national origin, color, race, religion, sex (including
pregnancy), age (40 or older), disability, or genetic
information.

4. Rights and responsibilities of executives, managers,
directors
The EEO asserts certain responsibilities for personnel in
businesses - executives, managers and directors.
Should ensure fair workplace practices
Executives, managers and directors are responsible for
effective enforcement and management under the Act
through company policies and practices.

5. Should consult employees about decisions that affect
them
Executives, managers and directors should make sure
that employees are aware of the implications of a
decision that could affect them. Doing so will lead to
clarity among the workers on these issues.
The aforesaid personnel should take the viewpoint of
the employees. It will lead to the alleviation of fear and
confusion occurring due to some issues between
employees and their employers. It will also encourage
employees to stay focused on their jobs.

6. Give equal rights to all employees
Employees at managerial and supervisory levels must
be fair and award equal consideration to all employees.
They must build a mechanism to judge the quality of
performance and other attributes such as personal
integrity, high level of skills, etc. so that discrimination
of any sort is averted.

7. Provide opportunities for employees to brainstorm
with diverse workforce
Employees may have different issues and concerns due
to discrimination in the workplace. Managerial and
supervisory personnel should create a platform to
facilitate opportunities for different classes in the
workforce. For this, employers should engage in
interactive discussions with employees in designing the
appropriate platform. This is likely to help both
employers and employees to address issues without
compromising the stake of either party.

8. Ensure diversity in employment
Employers should be aware that diversity in the
workforce is good. Make diversity one of the principles
of hiring and build a hiring strategy accordingly.
Make sure that employees are aware (as a matter of
fact) that hiring criteria is based on merit, skills,
competence and no other consideration. Make the
norms clear to avoid confusion and give clarity to
employees.

9. Ensure legal compliance while hiring
It is important to be in compliance with the rules
under the EEO Act while hiring. Failing to do so
constitutes noncompliance.
Personnel at the managerial/supervisory level must
not show any discrimination while hiring applicants.
For example, assume a woman applies for a job.
Rejecting the woman’s application based on the
concern that she may eventually take family and
maternity leave, would be a violation under the act.

10. Benefits of EEO to businesses
Staff retention
Diversity policies adopted in consideration of the EEO
Act lead to trust between employers and employees and
encourage committed and loyal employees.. This helps
employers retain skilled and competent workers.
Greater business productivity
EEO compliance leads to mutual trust between
employers and employees. Because of this, employees
will stay focused on their jobs, in turn increasing
productivity.

11. Better way of recruitment
Transparent hiring policies coupled with compliance of
the laws help employers attract higher quality workers
from different sections of society based on merit.
Encouraging diversity among the workforce ensures
that people belonging to one particular race, color,
national origin, etc., would not be dominant.
The EEO Act is beneficial to both employees and
employers. By ensuring compliance with this law,
employers can boost employees' trust and goodwill, and
make the workplace more productive.

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